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

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.

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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.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.