Brazilian bishops distance themselves from election amid fake news about Our Lady Aparecida

Over the weekend the Brazilian Catholic bishops publicly separated themselves from the presidential campaign after a wave of false rumors about Nossa Senhora Aparecida dominated debate between Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro. In a communiqué the CNBB clarified it neither produced nor authorized any deceptive material concerning the election and condemned the spread of falsehoods regardless of source. The rumor alleged that Flavio Bolsonaro planned to revoke the saint’s patronage, a claim the courts found unfounded and ordered social-media platforms to delete.

Lula seized the moment in a TV interview, affirming the saint’s status and urging mutual religious respect, while Flavio blamed Lula’s party for the fake news. The bishops reiterated their independence from political parties and stressed that their statements stem from pastoral mission and democratic principles.