The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has relaunched the video series 'Fraternity in Action' in February. The initiative showcases social and environmental projects supported by the National Solidarity Fund from the 2025 Fraternity Campaign. The theme focuses on integral ecology. Last year, 234 projects received over 7.2 million reais, benefiting nearly one million people across Brazil. Father Jean Poul, CNBB executive secretary, states that transparency is a key commitment. The first episode highlights the Ecological Patrol Association in Brasília, which conserves the Cerrado biome. The CNBB also announced that the 2026 campaign will focus on dignified housing.
The Centro Cultural Missionário has opened registrations for the 129th edition of the Centro de Formação Intercultural. This three-month program takes place in Brasilia, Brazil, and is designed for foreign missionaries arriving to serve in the country. The course aims to help participants learn Portuguese and understand Brazilian culture and social realities. According to the director, padre Tiago Ávila Camargo, the training fosters community life and pastoral reflection. The program includes systematic language instruction and studies on Brazilian history and anthropology. A partial option is also available for those who already speak Portuguese.
The CNBB reports that the Capacita em Rede project has certified nearly 15,000 workers in Brazil over the past 19 months. Launched in response to the pandemic, the initiative partners with the Federal Institute of South Minas and the Ministry of Education to provide free vocational training. The program operates in 24 states and 200 municipalities, offering courses in health, construction, and administration. According to the outlet, the project will expand to 31,000 spots by the end of 2026, targeting vulnerable populations through local parish networks.
The CNBB’s “Correndo Atrás de Um Sonho” project reported positive results in 2025 for the Incra 8 community in Brazil’s Federal District. The initiative supported vulnerable children, adolescents, women, and families through sports, mental health care, and income-generating workshops. Highlights included athletic events, a festival with 200 attendees, and sessions addressing domestic violence. Social efforts helped a Venezuelan family access public benefits and provided psychological support to 15 individuals. Assistant Social Worker Antônia Mendes stated the project strengthens community bonds and promotes human dignity through integrated actions.
The Casa Bom Samaritano shelter in Brazil's Federal District hosted 211 Venezuelan migrants and refugees in 2025. Managed by the CNBB and partners, the center focuses on social and labor integration. The initiative provided Portuguese and vocational training to over 130 people, helping 37 find jobs. Additionally, 89 individuals, including children and adults, were enrolled in educational programs. Despite a temporary funding cut early in the year, co-manager Sister Rosita Milesi reported positive outcomes regarding family autonomy and community integration through shared activities and volunteer support.
The Special Commission for the Fight Against Human Trafficking, alongside Talitha Kum and the One Cry for Life Network, is organizing the 12th World Day of Prayer and Reflection against human trafficking on February 8 in Brazil. The initiative, inspired by Pope Francis, aims to raise awareness about this crime that violates human dignity. Recent data from UNODC and Brazil's Sinesp system highlights the scale of the issue, noting that women and girls make up most victims and thousands disappear annually. The event encourages vigils, digital campaigns, and local seminars, such as one in Picos, Piauí, to train community leaders in prevention and support.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Pope Leo XIV presided over vespers at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Italy, alongside leaders from various Christian denominations. The event marked the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Northern Hemisphere. During his homily, the Pope highlighted the theme of being 'one' in Christ, referencing his recent visit to Turkey and the upcoming 2033 Jubilee. He pointed to the synodal path as a means to deepen ecumenical relations and mutual understanding among churches. Representatives from the Armenian Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Orthodox Church attended the service, which focused on the shared mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
Dom Nereudo Freire Henrique, auxiliary bishop of Olinda and Recife, visited Rio Branco in the Brazilian state of Acre this week. He inspected the operations of the Migrant Pastoral and the Clamor Network along the triple border with Bolivia and Peru. The visit included a tour of a migrant reception house in Rio Branco, which assists refugees from Venezuela and other nations. According to the bishop, the pastoral supports approximately 400 families, mostly Venezuelan, who contribute to the local economy. The organization provides documentation aid, social integration, and protection against human trafficking in cities like Epitaciolândia and Assis Brasil.
Approximately six thousand pilgrims from ninety countries gathered in Vatican City last weekend for the Jubilee of Detainees, the final major event of the 2025 Holy Year. The highlight was a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, the 14th. Representatives from Brazil's Prison Pastoral Ministry attended to showcase the Catholic Church's work inside national correctional facilities. Diacon Paulo Fernando de Moraes and coordinator Ricardo Rodrigues described their weekly visits and spiritual support for inmates in states like São Paulo. The initiative, active since 1962, aims to provide hope and social assistance to prisoners across the country, aligning with Pope Francis's call for renewed hope behind bars.
The Northeast 5 Regional of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil issued a statement supporting the Akroá Gamella people in Maranhão. The bishops condemned a court decision allowing Equatorial to continue construction on the Taquaritiua traditional territory without prior consultation. The group says the move threatens indigenous rights and ignores federal and international laws. Since 2014, the community has faced violence from local farmers while awaiting land demarcation. The bishops urged authorities to resume dialogue and respect the dignity of the indigenous population to prevent further harm.
The National Bishops Conference of Brazil (CNBB) has announced that the 2026 Fraternity Campaign will focus on housing. Bishop Roberto Francisco Ferreria Paz of Campos stated that adequate shelter is central to human ecology and family dignity. The campaign aims to address the social challenge of securing the right to decent housing for millions of Brazilians. It seeks to promote public policies and civil society initiatives to eliminate precarious living conditions. The initiative encourages voters to consider housing rights during national elections. The bishops emphasize that protecting the home is essential for environmental balance and integral ecology. The campaign draws inspiration from the Gospel and the Church's social teaching to empower excluded populations. (Source: CNBB)
CNBB auxiliary bishop Ricardo Hoepers met with Sasakawa Health Foundation representatives in Brazil on January 9. They discussed a partnership for an international leprosy conference at the Vatican in January 2027. The group says Brazil will play a key role due to high local incidence rates. The meeting also explored a South-South cooperation bloc with African and Latin American countries for a 2026 event. Officials aim to strengthen public health policies through church-government collaboration and identify relevant church health organizations for the seminar. This follows previous editions held in 2016 and 2023.
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) issued a statement warning of a critical moment regarding the vote on the Marco Temporal thesis for Indigenous lands. The Supreme Federal Court is scheduled to judge the law's constitutionality on Wednesday, while the Senate will vote on a constitutional amendment on Tuesday. The bishops argue the measure aims to promote new colonization and resource extraction, causing socio-environmental collapse. They describe any advancement of the thesis as a terrible setback for Indigenous rights and urge society to monitor the proceedings to protect fundamental constitutional guarantees.
The Pastoral da Criança held its 32nd National Assembly in Brazil from November 25 to 27. Representatives from all states gathered to review 2025 activities and plan for 2026. The meeting included financial audits and discussions on maternal and child health metrics. Catholic archbishops led spiritual reflections during the event. National coordinator Maria Inês Monteiro de Freitas emphasized collective decision-making. Deputy coordinator Father José Edilson da Silva stated the organization focuses on supporting volunteers, pregnant women, and children. The group approved national budgets and goals for the coming year. This gathering strengthens the institution's mission within the Catholic Church in Brazil.
Two major Catholic organizations are promoting a Day of United Prayer for Afghanistan on December 1. The initiative urges communities to pray for religious freedom in the country, which faces severe human rights violations. According to the Aid to the Church in Need foundation, the Taliban regime and the Islamic State Khorasan Province group target religious minorities, including Christians and Shia Muslims. The organizations highlight the urgent need for international solidarity and vigilance regarding the deteriorating situation for believers in the region.
The World Prayer Network released a December video before Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon. The message supports Christian minorities in conflict zones, especially in the Middle East. The Pope urges prayers for believers to become seeds of reconciliation and hope amid violence. The video highlights unwavering faith in Iraqi villages that have returned to life, the strength of the parish community in Gaza, and the essential work of Caritas among the poor and refugees in Lebanon. This initiative underscores the Church's concern for vulnerable populations in war-torn regions.
The Indigenous Missionary Council (Cimi) has welcomed recent administrative acts by the Brazilian federal government that advance the demarcation of indigenous territories. The council described the homologation of four territories and the issuance of declaratory portarias for ten others as an undeniable result of the permanent struggle by indigenous peoples. These actions occur amid the COP30 climate conference, where Cimi emphasized that land demarcation is a crucial policy for combating environmental collapse. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring full regularization and possession rights for all communities, noting the adverse context of opposition groups attempting to hinder constitutional rights.
The Clamor Brasil Network held its national formation meeting in Brasília on November 15 and 16. Pastoral agents, religious figures, and youth discussed challenges and experiences regarding migrants, refugees, and trafficking survivors. Bishop Nereudo Freire Henrique emphasized fraternity, while representatives from UNHCR, IOM, and other humanitarian organizations joined the opening panel. The event focused on the Church's mission to welcome and protect vulnerable populations. Participants shared stories of perseverance and committed to strengthening social and pastoral presence across territories. The gathering concluded with a celebration for the World Day of the Poor, reaffirming the network's dedication to human dignity.
Brazilian Justice Minister Enrique Ricardo Lewandowski met with CNBB Bishop Ricardo Hoepers and Pastoral Carcerária representatives on November 18 to discuss religious assistance and restorative justice in prisons. The group highlighted Brazil's high incarceration rates and presented a dossier detailing violations of religious rights, including searches and entry bans for pastoral agents. They urged the government to implement uniform national guidelines and ensure confidential, dignified access for religious visitors. The minister acknowledged the potential of restorative justice methods, while church leaders offered collaboration to strengthen humanitarian care for inmates.
Translated from Português
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