With 80% of people identifying as Catholic, Portugal is among the countries with the highest church presence in Europe. The signs of the nation's intimate relationship with Catholicism are visible all across Lisbon, where thousands of youth have already arrived for World Youth Day. Pope Francis is joining them Aug. 2-6.

Published in International

LISBON, Portugal -- Bishops in Portugal criticized legislation that would allow euthanasia and assisted suicide and said their "sadness and indignation" were compounded "by a form of death being legalized during the great aggravation of a deadly pandemic, when we are all striving to save the greatest number of lives."

Published in International
PANAMA CITY – Lisbon, Portugal, will open its doors to the world's young people in 2022 for the next World Youth Day.
Published in World Youth Day 2019

VATICAN CITY – In a video message to the people of Portugal, Pope Francis said he would visit Fatima as a pilgrim of peace and to entrust the world to Mary's immaculate heart.

Published in International

VATICAN CITY – While conversion and prayer are at the heart of Mary's messages at Fatima, Portugal, the miracles and unexplained phenomenon that accompanied the events 100 years ago continue to intrigue believers and nonbelievers alike.

Published in Faith

VATICAN CITY – Thought rumours have been floating around for some time, the Vatican confirmed Saturday that Pope Francis will travel to Fatima, Portugal May 12-13 in honor of the centenary of the apparitions.

Published in International

LISBON, Portugal – The Portuguese politician nominated to be the next U.N. secretary-general is a deeply committed Catholic with an anti-abortion record and an involvement in charity work that dates back to his years as a university student.

Published in International

OXFORD, England - Portuguese Catholic officials criticized government plans to suppress two religious public holidays as part of an austerity drive and urged postponing the plans until next year.

Fr. Manuel Morujao, spokesman for the Portuguese bishops' conference, told Catholic News Service that Church officials understand that government leaders are trying to solve the nation's economic crisis by improving economic competitiveness. In addition to removing two religious holidays, the government plans to eliminate Portugal's Oct. 5 Republic Day and Dec. 1 Independence Restoration Day.

The religious holidays will be negotiated between the Foreign Ministry in Lisbon and Vatican officials, under the terms of Portugal's 2004 concordat with the Vatican.

Published in International