The bishop of Coimbra, Virgílio Antunes, aged 64, was elected this Tuesday (14) president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), succeeding the bishop of Leiria-Fátima, José Ornelas.
The election took place at the CEP Plenary Assembly, and the Portuguese bishops chose the current vice-president of the conference and bishop of Coimbra.
Traditionally, those elected to the presidency of the CEP are under 68 years old, so that they can complete two terms at the head of the Portuguese Church before reaching the age of 75, the date indicated for the resignation of the bishops of the dioceses.
On several occasions, the number two of the CEP has risen to the position of president after the departure of the outgoing leader of the structure that coordinates the work of the bishops in Portugal.
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