‘No one disrespects Our Lady’: fears for Brazil’s patron saint grip country ahead of election
Summary
In Brazil’s tight presidential race, a controversy has arisen over the country’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida. Supporters of candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fear he might remove her as patron saint, causing a backlash among Catholic voters and possibly influencing the election between Bolsonaro and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.Key Facts
- Brazil’s presidential election is closely contested between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (left-wing) and Flávio Bolsonaro (far-right).
- Our Lady of Aparecida is Brazil’s patron saint, declared by the Vatican in 1930, and holds great importance for many Brazilians.
- Flávio Bolsonaro is connected to evangelical Christian groups that have, in the past, called for removing the patron saint’s official status.
- Bolsonaro said he would declare Brazil belongs to “the Lord Jesus Christ,” sparking fears he might remove the patroness.
- Bolsonaro denies plans to remove Our Lady of Aparecida and claims the rumors are false and politically motivated.
- Lula and his campaign are emphasizing respect for religious traditions, using Catholic symbols in their campaign to appeal to voters.
- Evangelicals make up about 30% of Brazil’s population but have political influence exceeding that number, especially among Bolsonaro supporters.
- The issue highlights tensions between Brazil’s Catholic majority and the growing evangelical movement.
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