Brazilian Catholic Archbishop Honored for Mission in Mozambique’s Embattled Cabo Delgado Province

The State University of Londrina (UEL) conferred an honorary doctorate on Archbishop Luiz Fernando Lisboa on September 15 during a ceremony at the Cyro Grossi Auditorium in Londrina, Paraná. The Bishop of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim received the Doctor Honoris Causa title in recognition of his missionary service in Mozambique, where he previously led the Diocese of Pemba in the conflict-affected Cabo Delgado province.

During his acceptance speech, Archbishop Lisboa dedicated the honor to the missionaries, pastoral workers, and Christian communities in Mozambique who continued to serve others despite poverty, war, and displacement. He stated that the title belongs to the many people who left their safety to serve others and to the local Christians who remained firm during difficult times.

Archbishop Lisboa also urged the university to increase its engagement with Africa by expanding academic cooperation and research programs with African universities. He specifically requested that UEL create more opportunities for young African students to pursue higher education in Brazil, noting that many talented youth in regions like Cabo Delgado lack equal access to such opportunities.