Cardinal in Cape Verde Calls for Respect among Political Parties ahead of Parliamentary Elections

Santiago, 13 January, 2026 / 2:13 AM

The Bishop of Cape Verde’s Catholic Diocese of Santiago has called on political parties in the country to conduct campaigns for the April Parliamentary elections with respect, dialogue, and a genuine commitment to the common good.

Speaking to journalists after presenting traditional New Year greetings to President José Maria Neves, Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado warned against insults, personal attacks, and false accusations during the campaign period.

He said political competition should focus on ideas and projects that benefit the country rather than divisive rhetoric.

“It is natural that some tensions arise during campaigns and elections. But there should be no exaggerations, personal attacks, or false accusations,” Cardinal Furtado told journalists on Monday, January 12.

He emphasized that political parties should not exist for their own sake but in service to the nation. 

The Cardinal urged politicians to seek truth and justice while proposing realistic programs for national development. 

He said the April polls must be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect befitting the Cape Verdean society.

Cardinal Furtado also reflected on the role of the Catholic Church in public life, noting that while the Church does not directly govern the country, it plays an important role in forming consciences and promoting values that foster the common good and responsible civic participation.

He said political pluralism is “healthy, as differing perspectives and ideas encourage debate and help voters make informed choices.”

The Local Ordinary of Santiago expressed confidence that the people, whom he described as “mature and responsible,” would discern and choose leaders based on the quality of proposals presented to them.

Beyond national politics, the Cardinal raised concerns about global challenges, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in parts of Africa, coups d’état, and political trends that he said promote the “law of the strongest.” 

Such developments, he warned, “threaten values of truth, fraternity, justice, and cooperation among peoples.”

“These situations worry everyone who loves truth, justice, and collaboration for the common good,” he said, adding that despite differences among people and nations, humanity remains one, with each country having something to contribute to the world.