“The presidency of the CEP was received by the Holy Father in a private audience. We were able to present ourselves in the fulfilment of this mandate that was conferred upon us” in April, said the president of the conference, Virgílio Antunes, in a message recorded by the Ecclesia Agency.

“We were able to have a very friendly dialogue about the life of the Church in Portugal, also about what our country is experiencing, in its different dimensions, and those issues that mark us today,” explained the Bishop of Coimbra, who hopes for a visit from Leo XIV soon.

“We also renew the invitation we had already extended to you to visit Portugal when it is opportune, as soon as possible,” said the leader of the CEP, who assured Leo XIV of the “communion of the Church in all dioceses in Portugal” with the leadership of the Vatican.

The meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes, and throughout these days in Rome, the CEP presidency also had several meetings with others from the Roman Curia, which “have allowed us to deepen the dialogue on the life and mission of the Church in Portugal, as well as strengthen the articulation with the Holy See,” says the Catholic institution.

The current presidency of the CEP is headed by Virgílio Antunes, with José Cordeiro, Archbishop of Braga, as vice-president, and Manuel Barbosa as secretary and spokesperson.