The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to D. Virgílio Antunes, Bishop of Coimbra, upon the passing away of the Bishop Emeritus of Coimbra, D. João Alves.

Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“Upon receiving the news of the passing away of D. João Alves, Bishop Emeritus of Coimbra, I wish to render tribute to one of the most notable prelates of the Portuguese Catholic Church.

In the Coimbra Diocese, which he led during two decades, in the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, which he led from 1993 to 1999, and in the Joint Commission set up by the Concordat established with Portugal in 2004, he frequently demonstrated his humanist culture, his sense of duty to others and his social sensitivity.

In this moment of dismay, I address my deepest condolences to the bereaved Family and the Portuguese Catholic Church.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”