Today the official website for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Portugal was announced and although I’ve been rather silent on the blog front for a few days, this caught my eye. Why should I care about the May visit of Benedict XVI to Lisbon, Fatima, and Porto and why should you? As you might guess, Portugal is a heavily Roman Catholic country with very ancient ties both to ancient Rome and to the vatican. It’s Roman Catholic population hovers somewhere around 88% while the evangelical Christian population sits at .08%. That’s a big difference! There are a number of reasons why his visit is important for Christians and missionaries concerned about Portugal and Europe:

• Ironically, his visit is occurring at the same time as our planned move.
• His visit will bring a heightened sense of spirituality to the country.
• The contrast between biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism will be clearly seen.
• Those seeking God will be open to listening for his voice.
• His visit will encourage a very down-trodden people.
• Christians in America will be able to see how desperate Portugal really is for the Gospel.
• The pope will leave yet the Lord’s church will remain to help people come to really know Jesus.
• Many young people will be reminded of why they left Roman Catholicism and be open to finding a better way.
• The veil of sin will be lifted and it’s perverted, soul-stealing lies revealed for all the world to see.

I remember all normal programming on T.V. was stopped as Pope Benedict was revealed as the new pontiff. I remember being in Ireland, another ultra-Catholic country when he was crowned as “head of the church.” I remember hearing the hopes and dreams of millions of Irish come crashing down when after a period of time the event was forgotten and life went on. And I remember having the opportunity over the next days and months to share with disillusioned Catholics the truth and hope revealed in Jesus, the real head of the church. I truly believe that the Pope’s visit is an opportunity but only for those willing to see it as such.

Colossians 1:18

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Tags: Portugal, Why Europe, Missions