Portuguese Catholic leaders call for religious renewal

Religious leaders in Portugal are calling for renewal and active engagement within the Catholic community. In the Diocese of Viana do Castelo, Bishop João Lavrador opened the 2026/2027 pastoral year, which marks the diocese's 50th anniversary. He urged for an end to internal tensions and called for a Church that is more missionary and deeply connected to modern society, rather than one focused on self-preservation.

In Porto, Bishop Manuel Linda addressed the National Council of the Rural Catholic Action (Ação Católica Rural). He called for the movement to exercise a “mature protagonism,” emphasizing the role of active laypeople in transforming the world through the Gospel. The council presented its 2026 work plan, titled “Sujar as mãos no canteiro de obras do nosso tempo,” which explores the human person in the era of artificial intelligence.