António Augusto dos Santos Marto was born on 5 May 1947 in the municipality of Chaves, in the Diocese of Vila Real, Portugal. After preparatory studies at the Minor Seminary of Vila Real, he studied philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of Portugal as a student of the Major Seminary in Porto, and in 1978 he obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest on 7 November 1971 and incardinated into the clergy of Vila Real. On his return from Rome he taught theology at the Catholic University in Porto, served as prefect of discipline at the Major Seminary of Porto, and had responsibility for seminarians of the Diocese of Vila Real.
He was appointed titular Bishop of Bladia and Auxiliary Bishop of Braga on 10 November 2000 and ordained a bishop on 11 February 2001. On 22 April 2004 he was appointed Bishop of Viseu, and on 22 April 2006 Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, the diocese of the Fátima shrine. In that role he prepared and hosted the centenary of the 1917 apparitions, marked by the pilgrimage of Pope Francis on 12-13 May 2017 and the canonisation of Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
Pope Francis created him a cardinal in the consistory of 28 June 2018, assigning him the titular church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. He has been Bishop Emeritus of Leiria-Fátima since 28 January 2022, and is a member of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. He participated as an elector in the 2025 conclave.
Consequential Quotes
The centenary is a memorable, unforgettable date to give thanks to God for all the gifts that the message of Fatima has scattered throughout Portugal, but also in the whole world.
It's not only for Portugal, it's not only for the Church in Portugal, it's for the entire Church and, I would say, the entire world.
Yes, the sanctuary is empty, but not deserted. We are physically separated, but spiritually united as a Church with Mary, in an intense way, with a heart full of faith and trust.
A pandemic is a call to a deep spiritual conversion.
To the virus pandemic we want to respond with unity and prayer, with compassion and tenderness.
Major Works & Initiatives
Doctorate in theology, Pontifical Gregorian University
Doctoral studies in Rome completed after priestly ordination; he then taught theology at the Catholic University of Portugal in Porto.
Bishop of Leiria-Fátima
Appointed 22 April 2006 after serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Braga (2000) and Bishop of Viseu (2004); led the diocese containing the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima until 2022.
Centenary of the Fátima apparitions
Hosted Pope Francis's pilgrimage of 12-13 May 2017 for the centenary of the 1917 apparitions, including the canonisation of Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
Created cardinal
Created cardinal by Pope Francis on 28 June 2018 with the titular church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva; member of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.
Sources
- Holy See Press Office — biography
- Wikipedia
- Catholic News Agency via Angelus News — Papal visit completes anniversary celebrations, 3 May 2017
- National Catholic Register — At Empty Shrine, Fatima Cardinal Says Church is Spiritually United with Mary, 13 May 2020
- Catholic News Agency — Red hat shows importance of Fatima message, 28 June 2018