Pergrata nobis

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Pergrata nobis is an encyclical written by Pope Leo XIII. which was addressed to the Bishops of Portugal on September 14, 1886 under the title “On the Church in Portugal”.

Revolution and liberalization

The political upheavals, several revolutions and the beginning of liberalization in Portugal (see main article: History of Portugal ) prompted Pope Leo XIII to reply to a letter from the Portuguese clergy with this encyclical .

First he goes into the socio-political change in Portugal and praises the Portuguese as a loyal Catholic people. He describes Portugal as an important country on the threshold of Africa and mentions the successes of world explorers.

He describes the history of Portugal as remarkable and brave and expresses the gratitude of Rome. He deplored the political changes and deplored the worsening conditions under which the clergy were suffering.

Portugal and religion

He further declares that Portugal must remain inextricably linked to its religion and calls on the Portuguese government to grant the church the state protection it is entitled to under natural law . This is followed by a description of the relationship between religion and politics , in which prudence and moderation must create a unity.

The incipient shortage of priests in Portugal must be countered by the bishops through great efforts. Therefore, the formation of priests in the dioceses must be strengthened and the priests must set an example of the Gospel and it is of great importance not to let up in the efforts of the mission .

In conclusion, he also comments on published writings and complains about the literature, the measurement value of which is declining and in which “wrong opinions” are published.

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