The President of the Republic addressed a congratulatory message to D. Manuel Clemente, on his being awarded the Pessoa Prize.

Following is the text of the President of the Republic’s message:

"Reverend Bishop,

I feel greatly honoured by the award of the Pessoa Prize to D. Manuel Clemente, whom I very warmly congratulate.

An outstanding figure in the Portuguese Church, D. Manuel Clemente’s addresses have always shone by their intelligence and clarity, balance and moderation. His voice is also that of a man of culture, of an intellectuality of excellence which has been distinguished by his essays and research, specifically over the History of the Catholic Church in Portugal in current times.

A deep connoisseur of our society, an individuality of his time, a humanist prelate, the distinction which is now awarded is a matter of honour, not just for D. Manuel Clemente but also for the members of the panel of the Pessoa Prize, who again showed the capacity and talent to pay tribute to great figures of Portuguese culture.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"