Brazilian police raided three commercial offices in Rio de Janeiro linked to evangelical pastor Marcio Poncio. The raids, authorized by the Supreme Federal Court, are part of the ninth phase of Operation Unha e Carne. Authorities suspect Poncio of money laundering and hiding assets related to the 'bicho' gambling underworld. The pastor, father of state deputy Sarah Poncio, was previously arrested in July. Investigators are analyzing data from seized devices to trace financial networks involving luxury properties and companies registered under third parties. The operation also investigates potential leaks of sensitive police information.
Translated from Português
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Allison Saeng on UnsplashGood news and persecution
Christians in the Netherlands have launched a petition against a Halloween party planned for the historic Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam. The event, organized by an event promoter, marks the first time the 1525 building, which no longer hosts regular worship services, will be used for such a celebration. The Protestants of the Netherlands association collected over 26,000 signatures, arguing that a Christian temple is unsuitable for a pagan-themed event. Despite the backlash, the managing foundation stated the party will proceed due to a signed contract. In response, Christian groups plan to hold an outdoor worship service outside the church on October 31 to preach the Gospel while the party occurs inside.
Translated from Português
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Daniel McCullough on UnsplashPersecuted church
The Núcleo da Fé Noroeste church in Brasília, Brazil, was vandalized with offensive graffiti targeting Christian faith following the second round of elections. Pastor Wilber Batista reported the incident on social media, stating that messages such as “God is gay” and “fascists” were painted on the temple walls. The congregation has filed a police report to investigate the attack, which Batista described as persecution and hatred toward Christianity. He emphasized that the church will not respond with violence but will pursue legal accountability. Despite the damage, the pastor affirmed that the congregation will continue its religious activities and community service, citing biblical passages to encourage perseverance.
Father Cesar Augusto dos Santos, 55, was injured in Cianorte, Brazil, after fighting off an intruder at his parish residence on Tuesday night. The attacker demanded valuables and a phone. Realizing the man was unarmed, the priest engaged in a physical struggle. Neighbors and parishioners nearby heard the commotion and helped restrain the suspect until police arrived. Authorities confirmed the suspect was a fugitive with warrants for theft and drug trafficking. He was arrested in flagrante delicto. Two other suspects remain at large. The priest received medical care and is recovering, according to his parish.
The Pontifical Missionary Works held a thanksgiving Mass in Brazil on October 28 to mark Mission Month and the centenary of World Mission Day. The celebration was presided over by Ricardo Hoepers, auxiliary bishop of Brasilia and CNBB secretary-general. The event highlighted the theme chosen by Pope Leo XVI, emphasizing unity in mission. The centenary commemorates the 1926 institution of the day by Pope Pius XI. Sister Regina da Costa Pedro and other clergy emphasized the importance of synergy and communal responsibility in spreading the faith. The gathering included collaborators from various missionary centers and concluded with a celebratory lunch.
Translated from Português
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Bruno Fatori on UnsplashGood news
The Episcopal Commission for Missionary Action of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has started a listening process to prepare the National Missionary Year, scheduled from November 2028 to November 2029. This initiative aims to involve dioceses and communities in shaping a project that strengthens missionary awareness across the country. The event supports the upcoming 7th American Missionary Congress in Curitiba. Dom Maurício da Silva Jardim, commission president, invites local churches to submit proposals by February 28, 2027, to help plan the national strategy for evangelization and synodal cooperation. The CNBB says this effort seeks to engage all baptized faithful, particularly in peripheral areas.
Translated from Português
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Raphael Nogueira on UnsplashGood news
The Catholic community in Santarém, Brazil, is preparing to welcome a pilgrim statue of Saint Michael the Archangel arriving from Italy's Monte Gargano sanctuary. The event takes place on Saturday, October 31, featuring a luminous procession, mass, and concerts at the Matriz Square. Archbishop Irineu Roman will preside over the main mass, during which the archdiocese will be consecrated to the archangel. The pilgrimage, coordinated by the Hesed Institute, has traveled over 200,000 kilometers across Brazil, gathering more than 600,000 faithful. Santarém is the 39th region to host this journey, which began with the image's blessing in Italy in July 2025.
Translated from Português
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Thales Nunes on UnsplashGood news
According to Corriere della Sera, Brazilian evangelicals represent 26.9 percent of the population, totaling 47.4 million people. Most are right-leaning voters. The report highlights a baptism ceremony in Rio de Janeiro led by Pastor Anderson Ezequiel. He baptized 50 new members and expects to reach 1,000 by year-end. While he avoids direct political endorsements, he emphasizes biblical values and family. This demographic plays a significant role in the recent presidential election context. The article illustrates the community's growth and its alignment with conservative social standards within Brazil's religious landscape.
Translated from Italiano
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Mike Swigunski on UnsplashGood news
On October 27, 2026, students from the ITIS Rivoira school in Verzuolo, Italy, met with representatives of the Omnibus Brasile project. Bruno Francesco, Giovanni Bardelli, and Francesco Cammarota shared their volunteer experiences supporting fragile communities in Brazil, particularly in Bahia. The A.V.O.S.D. association, originally from Pinerolo, promotes social and missionary projects including education, indigenous support, and water infrastructure. The event allowed students to learn about these initiatives and reflect on solidarity and active citizenship. The group says the meeting highlighted how personal commitment can build bridges between different cultures and improve local living conditions.
Canção Nova has released a special report on its missionary activities in São Paulo, Brazil. The outlet identifies the São Paulo mission as the community's second-largest missionary front, following the work in Cachoeira Paulista. The report, produced by Aline Imercio and Leandro Iarussi, details the operations of the group in the capital city. This coverage serves to highlight the organization's reach and efforts within the region during the designated Mission Month.
For 25 years, the Cancao Nova organization has carried out its evangelization work in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In the capital city of Belo Horizonte, staff members and missionaries engage in daily communication and direct outreach to local residents. The group reports that professionals and volunteers contribute to this ongoing mission. This effort highlights the long-standing presence of the religious group in the region, focusing on personal contact and media engagement as key components of their strategy. The work is documented by reporters and photographers associated with the outlet.
Christians in the Netherlands have launched a petition against a Halloween party planned for the historic Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam. The event, organized by an event promoter, marks the first time the 1525 building, which no longer hosts regular worship services, will be used for such a celebration. The Protestants of the Netherlands association collected over 26,000 signatures, arguing that a Christian temple is unsuitable for a pagan-themed event. Despite the backlash, the managing foundation stated the party will proceed due to a signed contract. In response, Christian groups plan to hold an outdoor worship service outside the church on October 31 to preach the Gospel while the party occurs inside.
Thirty-five Brazilian Marine Corps recruits were baptized on October 17 at the Brasília Air Base. The ceremony, held in a swimming pool, was conducted by three military chaplains from the Air Force, Army, and Navy. According to an Instagram post by Pastor Claudio Britto, the event included immersion baptisms and worship. The recruits are undergoing 17 weeks of training at centers in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília. The Brazilian Air Force states its Religious Assistance Service supports personnel across 26 garrisons through services like baptisms and counseling. The Marine Corps prepares for amphibious operations and humanitarian missions.
Milan and Brazil are commemorating Marcello Candia, an Italian businessman and missionary who died in 1983, on the 110th anniversary of his birth. According to Vatican News, Candia established medical and social facilities in Macapa and Marituba, Brazil, to aid the poor and those with leprosy. The Marcello Candia Foundation, founded in 1982, continues to fund these Amazonian projects. Events in Milan included a conference at Palazzo Marino and a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mario Delpini. Alberto Scotti of Assocandia stated the foundation aims to sustain this humanitarian work. Candia is recognized for promoting lay missionary involvement and was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2014.
Two sanctuaries dedicated to Saint Michael in Brazil and Mexico recently formalized a spiritual brotherhood pact. The agreement was celebrated during a Mass attended by local priests and faithful from both nations. This bond emphasizes reciprocal prayer and a shared mission to spread devotion to the Archangel. Representatives exchanged gifts to symbolize their unity and mutual support. The initiative strengthens global connections among sites honoring Saint Michael, following similar agreements made with other international sanctuaries in recent years. This collaboration highlights the enduring spiritual ties between Catholic communities across different continents.
The Catholic community Canção Nova is showcasing its evangelization efforts in Rio de Janeiro through a special series during the missionary month. Located in the city center on Marechal Floriano Avenue, the headquarters provides a space for spiritual strengthening and welcomes visitors. Missionaries Joseane Silva, Titodhiomaic Cappato, and Almira Ferraz Pinheiro describe daily activities including religious article sales, formation clubs, and prayer events. The group states that these initiatives aim to bring the Gospel to locals and strengthen faith among the faithful in the Brazilian capital.
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
