Leo XIV’s New Portuguese Bishop Condemns Anti-Migrant Rhetoric as "Poisonous", "Demonic", and a "Perversion"
Born in Lisbon in 1969, Fr Fernandes has served as a missionary in Mozambique, as a formator in Portugal and as a spiritual assistant to youth groups.
As Provincial Superior of the Spiritans in Portugal, he was responsible for CEPAC (Centro Padre Alves Correia) in Lisbon. Under his leadership, CEPAC has become a leading centre for offering assistance, including legal, to African migrants.
Quotes from Fr. Fernandes's different online contributions:
- “Openness to other cultures and religious sensibilities are at the forefront of the Church's missionary activity. Therefore, interreligious dialogue is one of the fundamental priorities.” (Rr.pt, 24 October 2021)
- “Caring for our Common Home — in full harmony with Laudato Si’ and Pope Francis’s magisterium — together with the pursuit of justice and peace, interreligious dialogue, and social development, are all deeply interconnected dimensions of today’s mission.” (Rr.pt, 24 October 2021)
- “The Synod seems to me to be one of the great wonders of Pope Francis' pontificate.” (Rr.pt, 24 October 2021)
- “87% of the immigrant population contributes to Portugal, compared to 48% of the national population. This shows that not only are the Portuguese making no effort to integrate immigrants, but, on the contrary, it is immigrants who play a crucial role in the economic sustainability of this country. Contrary to what the misinformed and, above all, malicious voices of the far right are saying.” (Espiritanos.pt, 29 May 2024)
- “62% of the Portuguese population expresses racist beliefs, with only 11% showing no signs of prejudice at this level.” (Espiritanos.pt, 29 May 2024)
- “If hate crimes and hate speech have been on the rise in European societies, including Portugal, this is not unrelated to the shameless growth of populist rhetoric that spreads unfounded falsehoods, inciting hatred and discrimination against minorities and migrants.” (Espiritanos.pt, 29 May 2024)
- “What was once an unmentionable shame is now defended by some in the public square, with the devil's inflammatory and outrageous audacity, offering as medicine what is, in fact, poison. Fortunately, there are voices that rise up, with clear data and concrete actions, to counter this dangerous and revolting perversity.” (Espiritanos.pt, 29 May 2024)
- “What I expect from my Christian brothers and sisters, from myself, is that we convert more and more to the inclusive Good News of Jesus Christ, based on meekness, tolerance, and the valuing of all.” (Espiritanos.pt, 29 May 2024)
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