Tablet reporter Filipe Avillez stated that the Bishop was “transferred out of the country after receiving death threats during the past years of his ministry.” It also noted that the Vatican had announced his transfer while at the same time raising him to the rank of archbishop ‘ad personam’

When asked if the reason for his move was due to threats, Lisboa told Avillez: “It could be. I recognise the delicate situation and the Holy Father, after looking at the big picture in Mozambique, thought it best to transfer me. We are not naive, and I think this could have helped him reach that decision.”

Lisboa also insisted that he had not asked to be moved from the country: “I received some messages, through other people, saying I should be careful, that sort of thing. But when we are sure that we are doing the right thing, we cannot let ourselves be intimidated.” 

Source: Persecution.org