The press campaign against the bishop of Oporto as a political instrument of the Portuguese government (September 1958-October 1959)

Abstract

The government action against the bishop of Oporto, D. Antonio Ferreira Gomes, is the subject of the article. The main instrument used was a press campaign in various phases. This campaign was presented as a result of public opinion and supported the diplomatic efforts being made at the Holy See. The response from the Vatican to the means and objectives of Lisbon is also discussed. The problem of the Portuguese Catholic Movement during this period provides the backdrop to the case-study.