Manifestis Probatum

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Manifestis Probatum was an 1179 papal bull in which Pope Alexander III officially recognised Afonso Henriques as the first King of Portugal.

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Alexander, Bishop, Servant of God’s servants, to the Dearest son in Christ, Afonso, Illustrious King of the Portuguese, and to his heirs, in perpetuaty:

It is clearly demonstrated that, as a good son and catholic prince, you have rendered innumerable services to your mother, the Holy Church, intrepidly exterminating through hardships and military prowess the enemies of the Christian name and diligently propagating the Christian faith, thereby leaving to generations still unborn a name worthy of memory and an example deserving of imitation.

The Apostolic See must love with sincere affection and strive to efficiently attend, in their just requirements, those chosen by the divine Providence for the government and salvation of the people.

We, therefore, because of your qualities of prudence, justice and worthiness of government, take you under St.Peter’s and our own protection, and grant and confirm by apostolic authority to your excellent domain, the kingdom of Portugal, full honours of kingdom and the dignity which corresponds to kings, as well as all places which, with the help of the celestial grace, you have wrested from the hands of the Saracens, and on which your neighbouring Christian princes may not claim any rights.

And so that your devotion and service to St. Peter, prince of the Apostles, and to the Holy Roman Church may grow, we decide to extend this same concession to your heirs and, with the help of God, to defend it for them, as far as our apostolic magistrature is concerned.