Aristides de Sousa Mendes

I cannot allow all you people to die. Many of you are Jews, and our constitution clearly states that neither the religion nor the political beliefs of foreigners can be used as a pretext for refusing to allow them to stay in Portugal. I've decided to be faithful to that principle, but I shan't resign for all that. The only way I can respect my faith as a Christian is to act in accordance with the dictates of my conscience.

— Aristides de Sousa Mendes

Even if I am dismissed, I can only act as a Christian, as my conscience tells me.

— Aristides de Sousa Mendes

I could not have acted otherwise, and I therefore accept all that has befallen me with love.

— Aristides de Sousa Mendes

Starting today I will obey my conscience. As a Christian I do not have the right to let these women and men die.

— Aristides de Sousa Mendes

I would stand with God against man, rather than with man against God.

— Aristides de Sousa Mendes