Father Fernando Lopes defends doctoral thesis on Catholic participation in Church life

Father Fernando Lopes of the Archdiocese of Évora will defend his doctoral thesis at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome on Tuesday, October 26, 2026. Archbishop Francisco Senra Coelho will attend the defense.

The thesis, titled "Walking Together: A Critical Study of a Recent Formula," examines the participation of the People of God in the life and mission of the Church. Father Lopes noted that the topic has gained relevance during the pontificate of Pope Francis and the current synodal process.

In statements to the diocesan newspaper, Father Lopes said that synodality requires the Church to recognize itself as the People of God. He argued that the mission of the Church belongs to all members as active subjects of evangelization. His research concludes that the entire People of God is the true subject of ecclesial action, a perspective intended to clarify the meaning of synodality through listening, participation, and communion.