Igreja/Portugal: D. Vitorino Soares toma posse como bispo do Algarve

Vitorino Soares took office as the bishop of the Algarve on September 19, 2026, during a ceremony at the Faro Cathedral. Archbishop Francisco Senra Coelho of Évora presided over the inaugural rites, which included the reception of the new bishop, a profession of faith, and an oath of fidelity. Following the reading of the papal bull by Apostolic Nuncio Andrés Carrascosa Coso, the archbishop presented the diocesan staff to Soares.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Soares to the position on July 14 to succeed Manuel Quintas, who served as apostolic administrator during the transition. Soares, originally from the Diocese of Porto, chose a passage from Psalm 126 as his episcopal motto.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the official installation document by various Church officials, marking the first decree of Soares's ministry in southern Portugal.