The Catalan Church has officially entered into a four-year agreement with the Catalan government, led by Salvador Illa, to facilitate the provision of social housing. This initiative is set to increase the public housing stock by making church-owned buildings and land available for social purposes, with the understanding that the Church will maintain ownership of the properties. The agreement is noteworthy as it marks Illa's first public activity since a recent illness, indicating his return to important governmental functions.

Joan Planellas, the president of the Conference of Episcopal Tarraconense, represented the Catalan bishops and dioceses at the signing ceremony, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Church and state to address the pressing issue of housing. This partnership comes at a time when housing affordability continues to be a critical concern for many in Catalonia, and the Church's willingness to leverage its assets for the community's benefit reflects a growing recognition of social responsibility.

Historically, the Church's vast property holdings have been scrutinized in relation to taxation and the role of religious institutions in public life. This agreement could signify a shift toward more proactive engagement between the Church and the government in tackling social issues, providing a framework for future collaborations aimed at supporting vulnerable populations in Catalonia.