King of Spain and President of Italy awarded ‘Honoris Causa’ degrees

King Felipe VI of Spain and President of Italy Sergio Mattarella received the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Coimbra (UC) on the 13th of May, in a ceremony held in the Great Hall of Acts (Sala dos Capelos).

In his speech, Sergio Mattarella called for dialogue among nations, stating: “I firmly believe that constructive dialogue, a sense of the common good, deontological ethics, and the will to innovate and contribute to the accumulation of productive social capital are essential prerequisites for economic growth in advanced rule-of-law states such as ours.”

King Felipe VI of Spain echoed these ideals in his address, highlighting the need for a safe and secure Europe: “This is a challenge we must take on as an act of responsibility and remembrance — not against anyone or any regime, but to defend what is ours.” He also stressed: “How important it is, in such confusing times, not to lose the compass of our democratic spirit.” He added: “It is immensely relevant to remember this here, at this great European university, where nothing would be possible without the fundamental principle that underpins research and teaching: Freedom.”

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa concluded the ceremony by delivering his address in Latin, describing it as the 'root that unites' the three nations' languages. He highlighted the “remarkable shared virtues” of King Felipe VI and President Mattarella: "respect for human dignity, character, intelligence, a sense of duty, temperance and a universal vision". He added that "these are the qualities that matter most in leading a people, loving them, serving them, setting an example in life, honouring our fellow nations, and ultimately meriting the laurels of the University of Coimbra — "a school of personal and community virtues".

Felipe VI was honoured by the Faculty of Law (FDUC), and Sergio Mattarella by the Faculty of Economics (FEUC). The laudations were delivered by Professors Rui de Figueiredo Marcos (FDUC) and Raquel Freire (FEUC), respectively.

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