Luís Montenegro addressed journalists in Santarém, prior to a campaign event for the AD – PSD/CDS-PP Coalition, having already extended his congratulations to the new pope via his official social media account as the Prime Minister on platform X.
“I believe this choice has political significance, it has social significance, and my expectation is that it will materialize into a pontificate full of positive engagement, regardless of the creeds of all those who profess other faiths,” he stated, emphasizing that “the Catholic Church is not limited to its faithful.”
The leader of the PSD offered a special greeting to “Portuguese Catholics, and all Catholics worldwide who practice this faith,” but he highlighted that among the hallmarks of the previous Pope Francis was “inter-religious dialogue.”
“I am convinced that this choice will follow that path—a path of meeting, convergence, and peace,” he said.
In response to a question regarding whether he referred to the pope’s nationality when discussing political significance, he affirmed.
“I believe so. I won’t delve deep into interpreting this choice, as there are many who can do so with expertise and knowledge. However, I recognize the symbolism of having an American Pope,” he remarked.
He also noted that choosing the name Leo XIV “indicates a vocation for social work.”
“If there is one challenge facing those who have the power of words to influence reflection and decision-making among political agents and people, it is the quest for peace,” he said.
Montenegro argued that the Catholic Church has always been “a beacon for the need to safeguard the poorest, the most defenseless,” particularly the victims of wars.
“It seems a choice aligned with the goal of fostering rapprochement, valuing encounters among political objectives that, while often conflicting, must preserve the most important aspect, which is peace, and the ability to unite in promoting fundamental values of solidarity, respect, empathy, compassion, combatting poverty, and supporting the most vulnerable in society,” he concluded.
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, today extended his congratulations to the new Pope Leo XIV and wished him a papacy abundant with enlightenment, humanism, and universality, promoting peace and understanding amid an international climate of instability and uncertainty.
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected Pope today, after two days of conclave, and took the name Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, United States, he has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality, and he is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
