With six cardinals and Pope Francis visiting next month, William Cash heads to Lisbon to investigate the new special relationship between Portugal and the Vatican.
After climbing up the 110 steep steps to the bell tower of the Basilica do Sagrado Coração de Jesus in Lisbon, consecrated in 1789 after a promise from Queen Maria I of Portugal to build a magnificent baroque church if she conceived an heir, you can stand on the roof and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city.
As you look out across the skyline at the facades of the biggest churches in the city, you don’t need binoculars to notice they are draped with enormous green, white and yellow banners with huge images of Pope Francis, heralding his arrival in Portugal to mark World Youth Day Lisbon 2023.
