The bishop of Setúbal, who will participate in the next Conclave, appealed to empathy and humanity in the treatment of the migratory issue. Portugal will have four cardinals with voting rights in the election of the new Pope, which will take place after the funeral ceremony of Francis.
The Catholic world continues to tell the days to Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony and later to the conclave. In the election of the new Pope will participate, for the first time, cardinals from over 20 countries, including Timor-Leste.
Portugal currently has four cardinals with voting rights in the conclave: D. Américo Aguiar, D. José Tolentino de Mendonça, D. Manuel Clemente and D. António Marto.
D. Américo Aguiar, current bishop of Setúbal, highlighted Pope Francis’ commitment in the defense of migrants, recalling that, being the son and grandson of migrants, “lived in the first person the drama of what they live.”
“We understand well why Pope Francis dedicated so much from his heart to the issue of migrants: he is the son and grandson of migrants, lived in the first person the drama of what they live,” said the cardinal on Wednesday, live in SIC Notícias from the Vatican.
The Portuguese cardinal also appealed: “Let us not forget that we are talking about people. We are talking about brothers and sisters, regardless of color, creed, race or sensitivities.”
D. Américo Aguiar, who will have a right to vote in the conclave that will elect the new Pope, added: “There is no greater tribute to Portugal and the Portuguese than one person from another country to dream to come to Portugal and here a family.”
After Pope Francis’ funeral, the conclave begins. The 137 voting cardinals will be literally closed in the Sistine Chapel until a new Pope is elected.
D. Américo Aguiar ended with a humor note about the isolation of the cardinals, saying to expect Wi-Fi to “work with the Holy Spirit.”
