The invitation comes to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Fatima and the 500th anniversary of the formalisation of the Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal.

This information was released on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.

"Considering that 2027 marks the 500th anniversary of the formalisation of the Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal, alongside the 110th anniversary of the Marian apparitions in Fatima and the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Francisco and Jacinta, President António José Seguro extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Portugal next year," the note reads.

Diplomatic relations

The President of the Republic describes the diplomatic relations between Portugal and the Holy See as "an example of institutional dialogue, mutual respect and historical cooperation between sovereign states, linked by a cultural and spiritual proximity that results from the sharing of universal values ​​such as humanism, peace and human dignity."

The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Portugal "will undoubtedly constitute an opportunity to further deepen the relationship between the Portuguese State and the Holy See," he adds.