Religious History of Azores

The project DIO 500 – Religious History of Azores aims to develop a comprehensive historical narrative of the Diocese of Angra, established in 1534 by Pope Paul III through the papal bull Aequum reputamus. Through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, the project will explore the religious heritage of the Azores – tangible, intangible and archival – from the initial settlement of the archipelago to the episcopate of Bishop João Lavrador, the last bishop before the Diocese’s 500th anniversary in 2034.

Rather than offering a monolithic view of insular religiosity, the project seeks to understand the intersections between religious life and political, social, economic, and cultural dynamics, both within the region and across the Azorean diaspora. The research will include archival surveys, scientific events, publications, and the development of a digital platform, aiming to disseminate and preserve the religious heritage of the Azores.