During a public meeting, under a proposal presented by the Mayor Carlos Moedas (PSD), the naming of Tejo Park as Papa Francisco Park was approved with abstentions from Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition) and Livre, and votes in favor from PSD/CDS-PP leadership, PS, PCP, and BE.
A month after this proposal, made after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the mayor today submitted the initiative to the municipal executive for a vote.
The proposal aims to honor Pope Francis at Tejo Park, a place he visited during the World Youth Day (WYD) in August 2023, stated Carlos Moedas, indicating that this naming is done in collaboration with Loures Municipality.
Located in the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures, covering about 100 hectares, Tejo Park was developed by transforming the Beirolas landfill into a green park, as part of the WYD preparations.
Also proposed by PSD/CDS-PP, the municipal executive unanimously decided to name Rua 10 in the Urbanization Plan of Alta de Lisboa (PUAL) in Lumiar after the Danish publisher Snu Abecassis, and Rua C linking to Avenida de Praga in Carnide after civil engineer Maria Amélia Chaves.
With abstention from Cidadãos Por Lisboa, the naming of an unnamed street near Av. Infante D. Henrique in Marvila as Santo Agostinho, the philosopher, theologian, and bishop of Hippo, was approved.
Supporting the naming of Papa Francisco Park, PS councilor Pedro Anastácio inquired about the development plans for the park, noting that currently, the area is “a useless open field”.
PCP councilor João Ferreira also expressed that “it is fair for the city’s toponymy to recognize Pope Francis” and highlighted “the many tasks ahead” to create a green park that can be enjoyed by the public.
In response, Carlos Moedas stated, “the dream is for it to be a green park, used by people,” mentioning that there is a ready project which will unfold in four phases, with the park extending “the line of Parque das Nações.”
The mayor added that the project could include more shade and equipment and emphasized that they do not intend “any concrete structures or new constructions,” noting that the park is already in public use.
Moedas acknowledged initial challenges with the space’s maintenance and cleanliness but said these issues have been resolved.
The PS councilor also questioned the planned intervention for Bairro da Liberdade in Campolide, another site visited by Pope Francis during WYD, which needs redevelopment. Carlos Moedas responded that a project covering “over 60 streets” is underway, along with housing plans.
