On the day of early legislative elections in Portugal, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
During the ceremony, Marcelo was seated next to the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and Delio Rossi, a former Italian footballer and coach.
It is notable that the head of state voted early in Vila Real de Santo António, located in the district of Faro, last week.
“After doing the math, and having received the ceremony program three days ago, it wasn’t feasible to return in time to vote in Celorico de Basto. Fortunately, it was worth preserving the early vote option. Once, it was useful, other times not. If you don’t need it, vote on the day; if necessary, use it. Hence, I am here,” he stated.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa previously visited the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis at the end of April, accompanied by the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, and the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel.
Tens of thousands gathered on Sunday to witness the new Pope during his first public Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
As he was driven toward St. Peter’s Square, Leo XIV waved to the crowd from the back of his popemobile, greeted by flags from around the world as the crowd applauded.
This Mass is traditionally seen by the Catholic world as the presentation of the new pontificate’s central themes.
Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, officiated his inaugural Mass ten days later, having previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Known as a reserved intellectual, Leo XIV has distinguished himself from his predecessor, Francis, by delivering all his addresses from prepared texts, steering clear of impromptu remarks.
Leo XIV becomes the 267th Pope in history, succeeding Francis (2013-2025), who passed away in April.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the new pontiff, aged 69, also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent much of his life in the Andean country.
