Luís Leal holds a PhD in Contemporary History (2017) from the University of Porto - Faculty of Arts, a Master's degree in Fundamental Theology (2010) from the Pontifical University of Salamanca - Compostela Theological Institute, and a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Faculty of Theology – Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Porto).

He is a Researcher and Member of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Studies in Religious History at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP-CEHR). He is also a Professor (Invited Assistant Professsor) at the Faculty of Theology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the Quality Representative of said Faculty.

His research interests are the Contemporary (Religious) History of Portugal, the articulation between Faith/Religion and Culture, and the social/practical dimension of the Christian religious phenomenon.