The ceremony was attended by Arch. Manuel Clemente, Patriarch Emeritus of Lisbon, who greeted his successor Arch. Rui Manuel Sousa Valério.

Lisbon – Portugal (08/09/2023 10:09, Gaudium Press) Dom Rui Manuel Sousa Valério was sworn in as the 18th Patriarch of Lisbon. The celebration, which took place in Lisbon Cathedral, was attended by Dom Manuel Clemente, Patriarch Emeritus of Lisbon, who greeted his successor. 

Willingness to Take on Pastoral Challenges

During his speech, the new Patriarch expressed his willingness to face the real challenge of a new pastoral approach, and his support and constant presence for the victims of all types of abuse. “I will carry the burden of your suffering with you, believing in redemption,” he said.

Turning to young people, the prelate said that through World Youth Day, which recently took place in the Portuguese capital, they were “the main bearers of the Word that the Holy Spirit has addressed to the Church of Lisbon”.

A Brief Biography of Rui Manuel Sousa Valério

Born on December 24, 1964, in Ourém, in the Diocese of Leira-Fátima, Rui Manuel Sousa Valério studied Philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also holds a Master’s degree in Dogmatic Theology and attended the Philology course at La Sapienza University in Rome and the Spirituality course at the Centre International Montfortain in Louvain, Belgium.

On October 6, 1990, he made his religious profession in the Company of Mary (Montfortians) and was ordained a priest on March 23, 1991. He has held various positions within his religious institute in Portugal, including formator of postulants, advisor to the Major Superior for the Delegation and local superior. On October 27, 2018, he was appointed Ordinary Military Bishop of Portugal, receiving episcopal ordination on November 25 of the same year. (EPC)

Compiled by Florence MacDonald