The Catalan government and Catholic Church have signed a pioneering Church housing agreement. This protocol transfers unused religious properties into the public housing stock. Furthermore, President Salvador Illa described this move as a “national mission”.

Marking his return to official duties after medical leave, President Illa formalised the Church housing agreement alongside Archbishop Joan Planellas. Notably, Planellas serves as president of the Tarraconense Episcopal Conference. Consequently, this deal establishes a framework for dioceses across Catalonia. Subsequently, they will cede land and buildings to the Generalitat for conversion into affordable social housing.

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A historic Church housing agreement

Speaking from the Palau de la Generalitat, President Illa highlighted the pact’s significance. He called it “unprecedented” in Spain. Moreover, he emphasised that this Church housing agreement opens a new path for cooperation. As a result, secular and religious institutions will now address one of the region’s most pressing challenges together.

“Access to housing is a national mission,” Illa stated. Additionally, he thanked the Church for joining the government’s comprehensive efforts. “Catalonia wins,” he added. Indeed, this initiative demonstrates how diverse sectors can unite for the common good.

Terms of the transfer

The Church housing agreement involves properties from multiple archbishoprics and bishoprics. Specifically, these include Barcelona, Tarragona, Urgell, Girona, Vic, Lleida, Solsona, Tortosa, Terrassa, and Sant Feliu de Llobregat.

Under the protocol’s terms, the Church will transfer properties free of charge. Initially set for four years, the agreement is extendable. Moreover, these transfers will take the form of long-term usage rights. Rights range from 30 to 75 years rather than permanent sales. Therefore, each transfer will be negotiated case-by-case following an asset analysis.

The properties will include:

  • Vacant plots: Land currently pending construction.
  • Disused buildings: Structures requiring rehabilitation to become habitable.

The Generalitat confirms that the resulting homes will prioritise vulnerable groups. In particular, these groups struggle to access the property market.

Beyond political polarization

Archbishop Joan Planellas stressed the moral imperative behind this Church housing agreement. For instance, he advocated for “rehabbing and reusing” Church assets for social benefit. Furthermore, he urged political parties to avoid using housing as a wedge issue.

“The issue of housing is national, not of the Government; we all have to get together to add and not subtract.”Joan Planellas, President of the Tarraconense Episcopal Conference

The specific number of units will be determined in coming months. Meanwhile, the government will assess the inventory provided by each bishopric individually. Therefore, this Church housing agreement represents a significant step toward solving Catalonia’s housing crisis.

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