Rúben Cunha, from Mealhada, was ordained priest of the Diocese of Coimbra, representing the first priestly vocation born in that community in many years. His path to the priesthood was considered non-linear: he lived away from the Church for several years, graduated in Geology and built a professional career before deciding to enter the seminary.
In the interview given to Campeão das Províncias, Father Rúben Cunha explained that his distance from the Church did not mean disbelief in God, but rather a life focused on other priorities. He reported that it was through a return to the Church that he had a true encounter with Christ, an experience he considers fundamental for those who find themselves distant from faith.
The new priest advocated for a Church capable of welcoming, listening, and using understandable language, without losing its identity. He emphasized that one must not focus only on weaknesses to block the path, but rather embrace those very weaknesses so that everyone can walk together. He also stated that the Church cannot live with closed doors and that Christians must bear witness in the various spaces of everyday life, from work to family.
Rúben Cunha also addressed the relationship between faith and science, considering them to be different languages that can go hand in hand. Regarding the crisis facing the Church, he argued that it should not be seen only as a crisis of faith, but also as a crisis of language and credibility, defending that the institution needs to use current language that aligns with society and help people make their spiritual journey.
