New Bishop Declares 'No Foreigners in the Church' in Powerful Inaugural Speech

A Message of Inclusion and Opposition to Hate

In a powerful inaugural address at Portalegre Cathedral, the newly ordained Bishop of Portalegre-Castelo Branco, Pedro Fernandes, made a bold declaration that "in the Church, there are no foreigners" and expressed his firm opposition to hate speech and social exclusion.

During his episcopal ordination ceremony presided over by José Ornelas, who also serves as president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Bishop Fernandes emphasized his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all members of society.

Commitment to the Most Vulnerable

"To migrants, members of minority communities, people with disabilities, prisoners, the lonely, the sick and elderly - to all, I want to say that I will do everything within my power to ensure the Church truly becomes your home," Fernandes stated in his address. He promised these groups would feel "welcomed, protected, promoted and integrated" within the Church community.

Following Papal Guidance

The new bishop invoked the teachings of Popes Francis and Leo XIV, particularly their emphasis on the four key actions toward migrants: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. Fernandes noted that while these principles specifically address migrant communities, they apply equally to "all people wounded by exclusion, hate speech, or the indifference that kills."

Background and Experience

Pedro Fernandes, 56, was announced as the new bishop on October 7th by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, following the resignation of Antonino Dias after 25 years of pastoral service in the diocese.

Before his appointment, Fernandes served as president of the Board of Directors of the "Anima Una" Social Support Association in Braga. Ordained as a priest in Lisbon on July 21, 1996, he brings extensive international experience to his new role, having served in various missions abroad.

Upon returning to Portugal, he held positions in the Espiritan community of Porto from 2010 to 2018, serving as provincial counselor and assistant of the Portuguese Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Between 2018 and 2024, he served as superior of the Portuguese Province of the Spiritans and vice-president of the Conference of Religious Institutes of Portugal.

About the Diocese

The Diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco comprises 161 parishes distributed across five regions:

• Abrantes archpriesthood (Santarém): 33 parishes
• Castelo Branco: 44 parishes
• Sertã (Castelo Branco): 35 parishes
• Ponte de Sor (Portalegre): 27 parishes
• Portalegre: 22 parishes