Brazilian president’s criticism of Catholic Church sparks response

Bishop Devair Araújo da Fonseca of Piracicaba criticized Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after the president suggested the Catholic Church must change its practices to grow. During a September 16 meeting at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, President Lula da Silva told members of the Evangelical Front for the Rule of Law that the Church would face difficulties unless it ended priestly celibacy and allowed women to serve as priests and bishops. The president suggested that the ability for women to hold any position they desire has contributed to the rapid growth of evangelical churches in Brazil.

Bishop Araújo da Fonseca responded in a video posted on September 19, which featured a homily he delivered in Santa Bárbara d'Oeste. The bishop stated that politicians should focus on governing the country rather than telling the Church how to operate. He added that leaders are performing poorly in their official duties while attempting to weigh in on matters like celibacy. The bishop urged people to remain attentive during the upcoming election, with the first round scheduled for October 4.