[Portugal] Invitation to the Pope

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: Secretariat of State Raymond Cardinal Burke Ender
Subject: Invitation - August 2002

Your Holiness,

Warm greetings and blessings to you from our humble people of Portugal.

I write to you with immense joy and reverence, humbly extending an invitation to visit our beloved country and bestow your spiritual guidance upon our nation.

Portugal has a deep-rooted history of faith and devotion, and one of the most sacred places in our hearts is the Fatima Santuary. This holy site, blessed with apparitions of the Virgin Mary, has been a symbol of hope, healing, and unity for millions of faithful from around the world.

It is with great anticipation and faith that we extend this heartfelt invitation, inviting Your Holiness to grace us with your presence and to celebrate a Mass at this revered site. Your visit would not only bring immense spiritual solace to the devoted pilgrims who flock to Fatima but also serve as a symbol of unity and compassion for people of all faiths and backgrounds in Portugal.

Your guidance and teachings have touched the hearts of countless individuals, transcending borders and inspiring love, compassion, and understanding among humanity. We firmly believe that your presence in Fatima would strengthen the bonds of faith and foster a sense of renewed hope and goodwill in our society.

During your visit, we assure you that all necessary arrangements will be made to ensure your comfort, security, and serenity. It would be an honor to provide you with an opportunity to experience the warmth and devotion of the Portuguese people and to witness the profound impact that your spiritual leadership has on our lives.

The faithful of Portugal await your presence with open hearts and open arms, and we sincerely hope that you will consider this invitation and bless us with the privilege of your visit.

With profound respect and admiration,

With warmest regards,
Antonio Guterres
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves

 

[Ender]

(Secret)


To: Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves (Bruno)
From: Raymond Cardinal Burke, Secretary of State of His Holiness
RE: Invitation - August 2002

Mr. Guterres,

I apologies for the delay in our response, things around here have been busier then normal, with the Papal Coronation, and several other revelations that shall be upcoming shortly. But I assure you that His Holiness has read and been reflecting on your invitation. He still wants his first Apostolic Visitation to be to the United States, but he has expressed to me that he would be honored to come and celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13 of 2003. As he feels that this would be the most fitting day to formalize our relationships. He would also like this visit to be a grand affair where during his trip he would like to visit the Convent of St. Teresa in Coimbra, the Birthplace of Saint Anthony of Padua, and the site of the Eucharist Miracle of Santarem.

As such at least a week will be required for the Apostolic Visit. As well the Holy See feels that the Alcobaça Monastery would be the most fitting place to house His Holiness during the visit. So if you could be so kind as to make it ready and available to him we would be most grateful. We are also open to begin talks in regards to what sort of activities you would like His Holiness or any other memeber of the Holy See to participate in or lead during the visit.

Yours in our shared faith,

<signed>
Raymond Burke
Secretary of State of His Holiness

 

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: Secretariat of State Raymond Cardinal Burke Ender
Subject: Invitation - August 2002

Your Holiness,
I trust this message finds you well amidst the preparations and your busy schedule surrounding the Papal Coronation and upcoming revelations. I must extend my sincere gratitude for your time dedicated to answering us.


I am absolutely delighted to convey our profound joy upon receiving the news that His Holiness has graciously accepted the invitation to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, 2003, in the serene and spiritually significant land of Portugal. Your suggestion to formalize our relationships on this auspicious occasion deeply resonates with us, and we eagerly anticipate the meaningful bonds that will be nurtured through this visit.

While His Holiness holds the United States in high regard for his first Apostolic Visitation, his expressed desire to honor Portugal and partake in the festivities dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima is a testament to the profound significance of our shared spiritual heritage. The prospect of His Holiness visiting the Convent of St. Teresa in Coimbra, the Birthplace of Saint Anthony of Padua, and the site of the Eucharist Miracle of Santarem adds a divine and inspirational dimension to this visit, one that will surely be etched in the annals of history.

To ensure that this Apostolic Visit is carried out in a manner befitting its significance, we acknowledge the necessity of dedicating at least a week to the visitation, which will be done. Your suggestion that the Alcobaça Monastery serve as residence for His Holiness during this period is deeply appreciated, and we extend our gratitude for your gracious offer, which we accept wholeheartedly.

Regarding the proposed activities and leadership roles during the visit, we are eager to engage in discussions to ensure a spiritually enriching experience for all. It would be an honor to explore avenues through which His Holiness and esteemed members of the Holy See can actively participate in events that resonate with the core values and teachings of our faith.

In closing, I wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude for your warm and generous reception of His Holiness's acceptance of the invitation. Your understanding of the intricate demands of this momentous occasion does not go unnoticed. With unity, reverence, and a shared commitment to nurturing our spiritual ties, I am confident that the upcoming Apostolic Visit will be an unforgettable chapter in our shared journey.


May the grace of Our Lady of Fatima guide and bless our endeavours.

With warm regards,
Antonio Guterres
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves