The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) launched the 2026 Fraternity Campaign, focusing on the theme of fraternity and housing. The initiative aims to address inadequate living conditions by mobilizing churches and the government. The National Solidarity Fund approved over 2 million reais for 50 projects, including construction and emergency aid. A key development is a cooperation protocol between the CNBB and the Presidency of Brazil to improve access to housing programs. Regional actions include new laws in Goiás and parish mobilization efforts in Belo Horizonte, highlighting the link between housing and human dignity.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has approved a project in the Estrutural region of Brasilia, Brazil, to construct five homes for women in vulnerable situations. The initiative receives R$ 50,000 from the National Solidarity Fund, allocated through the 2026 Fraternity Campaign. According to the outlet, the community lacks basic sanitation and dignified housing. The project directly benefits 30 people and indirectly supports approximately 50 residents by improving infrastructure and health conditions. CNBB staff are currently monitoring the construction phases to ensure the delivery of these masonry houses, aligning with the campaign's focus on housing dignity. The organization also invites new project submissions for future funding cycles.
The Indigenous Missionary Council (Cimi) will launch its annual report on violence against indigenous peoples in Brazil on August 13 in Brasilia. The publication analyzes 2025 data regarding territorial conflicts, illegal resource exploitation, murders, and health failures. According to the outlet, the report highlights the negative impact of the Temporal Marco Law on indigenous rights. The event will take place at the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil headquarters and be streamed online. Organizers include Roberto Antonio Liebgott and indigenous leaders.
On August 6, representatives of the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) visited the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) headquarters in Brazil. The delegation, including Brazilian president Ana Manente, director Valter Callegari, and international president Regina Lynch, met with CNBB general secretary Father Leandro Megeto. The group highlighted that one-third of countries lack religious freedom and announced a global petition for this right. ACN and CNBB also promote monthly prayer journeys for persecuted Christians. Additionally, ACN is partnering with the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo to offer a course on religious freedom fundamentals.
The Brazilian Catholic Bishops' Conference announced that Archbishop Mario Antonio da Silva allocated one million reais to Caritas Venezuela. The funds, donated by the Canopus Institute, will support families affected by the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela. The SOS Venezuela campaign, launched on July 1, aims to assist with reconstruction and restore dignity to those who lost homes. Archbishop Silva emphasized that this solidarity reflects Christian teachings and helps rebuild lives beyond immediate emergency aid. Donations continue through August to support the humanitarian response in the South American nation.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic have signed a cooperation protocol focused on the human right to housing. The agreement aims to strengthen public policies and connect Catholic Church ministries with government authorities. Minister Guilherme Boulos participated in the signing. The partnership includes organizing training, sharing technical information on housing programs, and addressing urban and rural land conflicts. A joint commission will oversee implementation. CNBB representative Alessandra Miranda stated the initiative seeks to bridge public policies with local territories, emphasizing that dignified housing is a fundamental right rather than a favor.
The Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB) will host the III National Seminar of Popular Missions from October 30 to November 1, 2026, in Brasília. Held at the Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida in Sobradinho I, the event aims to discern evangelization paths for a synodal church. Organized by the Episcopal Commission for Missionary Action, it invites 180 participants, including clergy and lay missionaries, to discuss mission methodologies and contemporary challenges. The gathering aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s message on unity for mission. Attendees will engage in workshops and spiritual activities, culminating in a commitment charter to strengthen popular missions across Brazil.
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The Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need, supported by the Brazilian Bishops Conference, is organizing the twelfth annual Prayer Day for Persecuted Christians. The event takes place on August 6 in Brazil. A mass will be celebrated at the ACN chapel in São Paulo at 11 a.m. and streamed on YouTube. The date commemorates the 2014 flight of Christians from northern Iraq fleeing Islamic State extremists. The foundation states it has supported over 2,000 projects in the Middle East since the crisis began, providing food, shelter, and education to refugees. The organization continues to assist believers facing persecution globally.
The National Solidarity Fund (FNS) approved 50 housing initiatives during its July 30 meeting, allocating over 2 million Brazilian reais. According to CNBB secretary Jean Poul Hansen, these projects will directly benefit 9,350 people and indirectly reach nearly 33,000 others across Brazil. The approved funds support emergency aid, construction, and awareness campaigns related to the 2026 Fraternity Campaign theme. Organizations can submit new proposals in August and October, with each project eligible for up to 50,000 reais. The CNBB emphasizes that funds must align with the designated housing and dignity axes.
The Migration Working Group of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) met in Brasília on July 30 to plan pastoral guidelines for welcoming migrants and refugees. Secretary-General Dom Ricardo Hoepers stated the group aims to integrate existing initiatives rather than start new ones. The group will produce a document to sensitize local churches and address human rights violations. The text is expected to be presented at the CNBB General Assembly in 2027. Participants emphasized defending human dignity and coordinating efforts with public policies to support the growing number of displaced people in Brazil.
On July 2, the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, displayed a projection honoring Venezuelans affected by recent earthquakes. This gesture supports the Catholic Church in Brazil’s “SOS Venezuela” campaign, launched to aid victims of the June 24 and 29 tremors. According to the CNBB, the initiative aims to raise funds for humanitarian aid coordinated by Cáritas Venezuela, including food, water, and shelter materials. The campaign draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, emphasizing solidarity and fraternity. Donations are being collected via PIX and bank transfer to support recovery efforts in the affected Venezuelan regions.
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The Catholic Church in Brazil launched the 'SOS Venezuela' campaign on July 1 to raise funds for families affected by recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Two major tremors struck the country on June 24, causing deaths, displacements, and infrastructure damage. The initiative, inspired by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, aims to support humanitarian response efforts coordinated by Caritas Venezuela. Donations will provide food, water, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter. The Brazilian Episcopal Conference and Caritas Brazil invite the public to contribute to this solidarity effort, emphasizing spiritual and material support for the affected communities.
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Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Nazare from July 8 to 12, 2026. The visit, themed “Mary, missionary who gives us Jesus,” aimed to strengthen faith and unity across the archdiocese. The itinerary included masses at landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as visits to communities in Copacabana, Botafogo, and the Maré complex. The Cardinal emphasized the event's role in promoting mission commissions and preparing for the local Nazare Círio in 2026, highlighting solidarity and pastoral outreach in diverse urban areas.
The CNBB’s Special Commission to Combat Human Trafficking (CEETH) is intensifying the Blue Heart Campaign throughout July in Brazil. This effort coincides with the World Day to Combat Human Trafficking on July 30. The commission highlights a sharp rise in reported cases, citing government data that shows a 102 percent increase in denunciations and a 128 percent rise in violations during the first half of 2026. The campaign warns that criminal groups increasingly use social media and artificial intelligence to exploit victims. It calls for stricter ethical standards from technology companies and urges the public to report trafficking activities to protect human dignity.
The CNBB East 2 regional division is exploring a missionary partnership with the diocese of Canelones in Uruguay. During a recent assembly in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, bishops discussed the proposal with Dom Heriberto Andrés Bodeant Fernández, the local bishop, and Dom Maurício Silva Jardim, who heads the CNBB's missionary commission. The Uruguayan diocese faces significant challenges, including a high percentage of non-religious residents and a shortage of priests, with 16 of its 34 parishes lacking resident clergy. The initiative aims to address these needs through the 'Ad Gentes' mission framework, which involves sending clergy and laypeople to support the local church. This cooperation highlights the mutual support between churches across borders.
Athletes from the CNBB's Correndo Atrás de um Sonho social project in Brazlândia, Brazil, won medals at the Federal District School Games held in late June. The initiative, supporting students from the INCRA 8 community, participated in track and field events at Brasília's CIEF. According to the outlet, Bianca Silva secured third place in shot put, while Davi Lucas Oliveira took second in discus throw. The project uses athletics to foster social inclusion and civic formation. Sports coach Daisy Oliveira stated that the participation strengthens the bond between education and the community, demonstrating how sports create future opportunities for the youth involved.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has opened registrations for the second round of the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) until June 30. This initiative supports projects aligned with the 2026 Fraternity Campaign theme, focusing on dignified housing as a priority right. Organizations can apply for up to 50,000 Brazilian reais across three axes: emergency aid, construction or reform, and awareness actions. Franklin Queiroz, coordinator of the CNBB Social Department, advises entities to monitor their application status on the FNS platform. Approved projects will be reviewed by the Management Council on July 30. The fund aims to assist vulnerable populations and promote housing rights in Brazil.
The Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) joined the 8th Hutukara Yanomami Assembly in Roraima, Brazil, on June 17. The event hosted Inter-American Commission on Human Rights rapporteur Javier Palummo to investigate illegal gold mining impacts. Indigenous leaders, including Davi Kopenawa, reported health crises, mercury contamination, and violence. Bishop Evaristo Spengler expressed solidarity with the affected community. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV sent a message of support via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, affirming the Church's commitment to Yanomami rights and traditional ways of life. This international attention aims to strengthen human rights protections in the Amazon region.
The National Meeting of the Housing and Favela Pastoral will take place in Recife, Brazil, from June 18 to 21. Organized by the CNBB, the event aims to strengthen teams working on housing justice across the country. Bishop Manoel Ferreira dos Santos Júnior and coordinator Frei Marcelo Toyansk highlight the importance of sharing experiences from the 2026 Fraternity Campaign. The program includes panels on housing rights and spiritual formation. Participants will also visit communities affected by recent floods. Archbishop Paulo Jackson will preside over a Eucharistic celebration on June 21. The pastoral focuses on guaranteeing dignified housing for marginalized populations.
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