Cultura: «A comunidade é a maior obra de arte que podemos criar juntos» – D. José Tolentino Mendonça

In brief

Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça told participants at the Book 2.0 conference in Lisbon that the purpose of culture is to build community. Speaking at the event organized by the Associação Portuguesa de Editores e Livreiros (APEL) on September 16, 2026, the Portuguese cardinal described community as the greatest work of art people can create together.

Mendonça noted that culture must foster connection during times of rapid technological change. He identified the library as a space where a silent community can unite and addressed the risks of AI.