Tensions Rise as Porto Mayor Clashes with Bishop Over Church Real Estate Deals

A Clash of Institutions

Tensions have erupted between the Porto City Council and the diocese, as Mayor Rui Moreira expressed feeling insulted by Bishop Manuel Linda. The conflict stems from real estate transactions made by the Church without consulting the Municipality or granting it the right of first refusal. Moreira has vowed to cease any financial support to the Church moving forward.

Call for Dialogue

Father Agostinho Jardim Moreira, president of the European Anti-Poverty Network in Portugal, lamented the discord, urging for dialogue to find peaceful solutions that serve the common good.

Letter to the Apostolic Nuncio

In a recent meeting, Moreira raised concerns about the Bishop's response to his inquiry regarding future property sales, which he deemed dismissive. He plans to escalate the issue to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ivo Scapolo, to express his concerns about the Church’s actions in Porto.

Real Estate Transactions

Recent reports revealed that the diocese exchanged 15 houses in the Eirinhas neighborhood for a €230,000 apartment in Boavista, without notifying the City Council. Moreira highlighted the historically complex relationship between the city and the diocese, noting that the lack of communication has further deteriorated their institutional relations.

Bishop's Financial Independence

Moreira has firmly stated that under his administration, he will not support the Catholic Church financially, despite past collaborations on various projects, including restoration efforts. He emphasized that the Church benefits from state-owned national monuments in Porto.

Diocese's Response

In a recent statement, the Diocese of Porto did not address the Mayor's comments directly but claimed that it did not sell property with the intent of generating capital for other ventures.

Controversies Surrounding Bishop Linda

• Removal of Clergy: In 2018, Bishop Linda dismissed two priests from their ecclesiastical positions due to alleged mismanagement.
• Sunday Work Debate: In 2019, he advocated for banning Sunday work to promote family life, criticizing the opening of supermarkets on that day.
• Sexual Abuse Comments: In 2022, he controversially stated that sexual abuse was not a public crime, later acknowledging his unfortunate choice of words in a follow-up statement.