President Seguro to Visit Vatican and Council of Europe
Portuguese President António José Seguro is set to embark on two significant diplomatic missions this month, traveling to the Vatican and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The visits aim to strengthen Portugal’s historical ties with the Holy See and celebrate a major milestone in the country’s integration with European human rights institutions.
A Papal Audience and a Standing Invitation
President Seguro will travel to the Vatican on September 23 and 24 for a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV. A primary focus of the meeting will be a standing invitation for the Pontiff to visit Portugal in 2027. The proposed visit would coincide with a trifecta of significant anniversaries: the 110th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fatima, the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Saints Francisco and Jacinta, and the 500th anniversary of the formalization of the apostolic nunciature in Portugal.
In a previous statement, the Presidency described the relationship between Portugal and the Holy See as a model of “institutional dialogue, mutual respect, and historical cooperation,” rooted in shared values of humanism and peace.
Commemorating 50 Years in the Council of Europe
Following his return from the Vatican, President Seguro will travel to Strasbourg, France, from September 29 to 30. The visit marks the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the Council of Europe, an organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights and democracy.
Portugal joined the Council in 1976, a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic transition. The Council of Europe currently comprises 47 member states, including all European Union nations, and remains a cornerstone of the continent’s legal and ethical framework.
Constitutional Protocol and Diplomatic Momentum
As required by the Portuguese Constitution, President Seguro has formally requested consent from the Assembly of the Republic to leave national territory. This parliamentary authorization is a standard formality for all foreign visits by the Head of State.
Since taking office on March 9, 2026, President Seguro has maintained a robust international schedule. These upcoming trips will bring his total to ten foreign visits. His tenure began with an official visit to Spain in April, followed by missions to Italy, Luxembourg, the United States, France, and a state visit to Cape Verde.
Image: Pexels – Leonardo Barucci
