The Pontifical Yearbook 2026 reports that the global Catholic population reached 1.422 billion in 2024, an increase of 1.14 percent. In Brazil, the 2022 Census shows Catholics comprise 56.7 percent of the population, a decline from 2010. The CNBB’s 62nd General Assembly used these statistics to finalize the General Directives for Evangelizing Action. The Institute for Pastoral Analysis notes Brazil is moving from a hegemonic Catholic identity to a pluralistic society. Consequently, bishops are urging a pastoral conversion focused on personal encounters with Jesus and community witness to adapt to this new religious reality.
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The Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) released its 2025 rural conflicts report in Brasília on April 27. Although total conflicts dropped by 28 percent, murders doubled to 26 cases. The North region accounted for most deaths, with Rondônia and Pará leading. Land disputes remain the primary cause of violence. The report also highlights increases in imprisonment, humiliation, and private detention, often linked to police actions. Additionally, rural slave labor cases rose by 5 percent. The CPT attributes these trends to structural violations affecting indigenous and traditional communities.
The Diocese of Maraba in Brazil officially launched a comprehensive educational, social, and pastoral pact against femicide on Friday the 27th. Led by Bishop Vital Corbellini and coordinated by Lady Anne Souza, the initiative aims to transform historical inequalities across the diocese's 15 municipalities. This effort responds to a 76 percent rise in crimes against women in the state of Para between 2024 and 2025. The document establishes a permanent commission to coordinate these actions, integrating faith and social services to maintain Maraba's recent success in zeroing femicide cases in 2025.
TV Aparecida is airing a new episode of its series Desafios da Igreja, focusing on the housing crisis in Brazil. The report aligns with the 2026 Fraternity Campaign and examines living conditions in Petrópolis and Brasília. Journalist Camila Morais presents stories from residents affected by landslides and those in the Sol Nascente favela. The segment highlights the Catholic Church's role through initiatives like the Samaritan Presence project and the Housing Pastoral. It also showcases community-led self-management housing models. According to the outlet, the special aims to reflect on social justice and human dignity by showing both challenges and solidarity efforts across the country.
In late March, the Episcopal Commission for Sociotransformative Action of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) met in Brasília to evaluate a joint project supported by the German Catholic agency Misereor. Attendees, including Bishop Domênico Corcione and advisors, reviewed the second year of execution. The initiative aims to integrate social pastorals, strengthen political advocacy, and support vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples and refugees. Participants emphasized the need for structured communication and sustainability. The assessment was positive, with officials expressing confidence that the results will satisfy the funding partner and justify continued cooperation.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has released a call for proposals for the National Solidarity Fund (FNS). This initiative supports projects related to the 2026 Fraternity Campaign, which focuses on housing rights. Organizations can apply for up to 50,000 Brazilian reais to address homelessness, build housing, or raise awareness. Applications are accepted in four periods throughout 2026 via the FNS platform. The CNBB states that funds come from the National Solidarity Collection held during Palm Sunday celebrations in March 2026. This effort aims to promote dignified housing as a priority right across the country.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, sent a video message to the 62nd General Assembly of the CNBB in Aparecida, Brazil. He explained that he could not attend the April 15-16 spiritual retreat due to the severe security situation in the Holy Land. Pizzaballa described ongoing attacks in northern Israel, tensions in the West Bank, and the war's impact on Gaza. He highlighted the destruction of Christian infrastructure and the resilience of local communities. The patriarch thanked the Brazilian Church for its solidarity and expressed hope for a future visit to Brazil. The retreat was led by Archbishop Armando Bucciol in his absence.
The state of Goiás, Brazil, officially recognized the Catholic Church's Fraternity Campaign as intangible cultural heritage through State Law No. 24,079. Governor Daniel Vilela signed the measure on February 4, 2026, following a proposal by Deputy Antônio Gomide. The campaign, launched in 1964 by Cardinal Eugênio de Araújo Sales, mobilizes Christians during Lent for social transformation. Archbishop João Justino of Goiânia stated the recognition validates the initiative's role in promoting fraternity and encourages broader public awareness of this significant social effort.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has launched the National Solidarity Collection during Lent. Archbishop Emeritus Anuar Battisti of Maringá, in the state of Paraná, states the funds support the National Solidarity Fund and diocesan projects. The initiative addresses housing insecurity, aiming to provide dignified shelter for vulnerable families. The collection finances construction materials, social pastoral care for homeless populations, and legal assistance for housing rights. The Church also urges the government to implement serious housing policies and combat real estate speculation. This action transforms spiritual penance into visible social transformation across Brazil.
The Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB) promotes dignified housing as a priority for the 2026 Fraternity Campaign. The initiative encourages ecclesial presence and support for popular movements to secure public policies. In São Paulo, the Dandara project in the Southeast zone utilizes self-management to build apartments, helping families like Eliene Sampaio Silva reduce housing costs. Meanwhile, the Solicitude Project in the East zone, led by Redemptorist Missionaries, has renovated or constructed eleven homes since 2012. These efforts aim to restore family dignity through technical and social support. The campaign also invites the national church to participate in the National Solidarity Collection to fund such initiatives.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) issued a statement on March 29 expressing solidarity with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Custody of the Holy Land. The group condemned an incident on Palm Sunday where the Cardinal and Custodian were barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. According to the CNBB, this unprecedented action violates religious freedom and the historic status quo in Jerusalem. The bishops emphasized that such measures threaten peaceful coexistence in the city. They called for dialogue and reconciliation during Holy Week, urging respect for fundamental worship rights for Christians in the region.
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The Catholic Church in Brazil collected approximately 20 million reais during the National Solidarity Collection held on Palm Sunday. According to the National Bishops Conference (CNBB), these funds support social action through two main channels: the Diocesan Solidarity Fund receives 60 percent, while the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) receives 40 percent. In 2025, the FNS allocated over 7.2 million reais to 234 approved projects. These initiatives directly benefited more than 200,000 people and indirectly reached over 700,000 individuals across the country. The collection aims to transform Lenten sacrifices into concrete aid for those in need.
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The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) released a video showcasing the 'Energia do Bem' project in Belém, Brazil. Supported by the National Solidarity Fund (FNS), the Mission Belém association installed solar panels to aid the homeless population. The initiative, funded by the 2025 Fraternity Campaign, aims to promote human dignity and generate income. The project currently supports 200 individuals, including 80 elderly people. This effort aligns with the campaign's theme of integral ecology and alternative economic transition.
The Diocese of Parintins in the Brazilian state of Amazonas has installed solar panels on seven missionary boats. This project, funded by the National Solidarity Fund from the 2025 Fraternity Campaign, aims to reduce fossil fuel use and support ecological sustainability. The diocese covers a vast area where rivers serve as primary roads, making boats essential for transporting clergy and pastoral agents. Bishop José Albuquerque stated that the solar kits provide necessary power for lighting and daily activities on long trips. The initiative directly benefits over 1,800 people and indirectly supports 5,000 more by ensuring reliable energy for evangelization efforts in remote communities.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) launched the initiative “Each parish, a housing drive” for the 2026 Fraternity Campaign. The project aims to mobilize Catholic communities in Brazil to help build or repair at least one home in their territory. This effort addresses the reality that approximately 26 million Brazilian families live in inadequate housing. Bishop Manoel Ferreira dos Santos Júnior and priest Jean Paul emphasize that the Church seeks to foster solidarity and influence public policy rather than solve the housing deficit alone. The initiative includes ten steps for organization and focuses on peripheral areas.
The Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB) highlights the National Solidarity Collection as a key part of the annual Fraternity Campaign during Lent. Led by Archbishop Leomar Antônio Brustolin of Santa Maria, the initiative emphasizes communal sharing and social conversion. Funds collected on Palm Sunday are split: 60% stay in local dioceses for regional social projects, while 40% go to the CNBB’s National Solidarity Fund. This structure ensures that Christian charity translates into concrete aid for vulnerable populations across Brazil, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to human dignity and social justice.
The National Solidarity Fund, supported by the Brazilian Bishops Conference (CNBB), is funding a solar energy installation at the Casa Marta e Maria therapeutic community in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The project, titled “Iluminar para recuperar,” aims to reduce electricity costs for the facility, which has supported women recovering from substance use disorders for three decades. With an investment of R$ 36,900, the initiative aligns with the 2025 Fraternity Campaign’s theme of integral ecology. This measure helps the institution maintain its services amid rising living costs following recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul, ensuring continued care for vulnerable women and their families while promoting environmental sustainability.
The National Solidarity Fund provided resources in 2025 for the 'Luz que Acolhe' project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initiative, led by the Obra Sagrados Corações de Jesus e Maria and linked to the Catholic Community Shalom, installed a solar energy system at a facility caring for vulnerable elderly women. According to the institution, the 24-panel system generates 12.6 MWh, saving 11,000 reais monthly since October. These funds are redirected to improve living conditions, such as air conditioning and food. Missionary Giselly Noberto da Silva stated the project enhances dignity and supports ecological education. The funding comes from the National Solidarity Collection, which supports social projects across Brazil.
The Clamor Brazil Network met at the CNBB headquarters in Brasília on May 17 to coordinate actions for migrants and refugees. Attendees included Apostolic Nuncio Giambattista Diquattro and CNBB leaders. The group is preparing for an annual assembly in São Paulo from May 26 to 28 to discuss social doctrine applications. The meeting also planned events like National Migrant Week and considered a future Fraternity Campaign theme. Director Rosita Milesi noted over two million non-Brazilians in the country, highlighting integration challenges. The network aims to strengthen institutional collaboration and political advocacy for migrant rights. (Source: CNBB)
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