April 21, 2025 will be an eternally remembered day, as it was when the world lost Francis, the Pope who made history in his thirteen years of pontificate. Throughout his public life, the Catholic figure stood out for his humility, concern with the poor and interfaith mission. Beloved by several countries, he maintained the church’s traditional views on abortion, marriage and clerical celibacy.Estadão
The pope’s trajectory in brazil
As Brazil is the country that is home to the largest Catholic population in the world (approximately 125 million people), much of the affection for the Pope is found in Brazilian territory.
At first, when he was elected in March 2013, his first international trip in office was to Brazil. According to the Estadão website, more than 3.5 million people went to World Youth Day (an annual Catholic religious event which brings together young people from all over the world with the Pope) on Copacabana beach. This was the largest official movement of visitors in a single city in Brazil to date, demonstrating the symbolic value of Brazil for the Church.
During his visit, the Holy Father criticized social inequality, calling for attention to the outskirts and the suffering of the poor, in addition to meeting with Dilma (Brazilian president at the time). Current president Lula also had his meeting with the Pope in June 2024 during the G7.
How was his relationship with Brazil?
Francis was the first Latin pope, as he was born in Argentina, so his relationship with Brazil was always very natural and he always understood the problems the country faced. With his welcoming manner, he addressed issues such as social justice, the environment and the rights of the most vulnerable, sensitive topics that have always caused repercussions in Brazil.
In his first speech in Brazil, the Pope highlighted the objectives for young people: “To offer them solid foundations on which to build their lives; to guarantee them security and education so that they can become what they can be; to transmit lasting values by which life is worth living.” Poder 360
Speaking of Bolsonaro, according to the website Poder 360 , the former president’s relationship with Francisco had some tense moments. Jair was the only president who never met with the Catholic leader, mainly due to ideological differences. Unlike Francisco, Jair Bolsonaro adopted a nationalist, conservative and liberal discourse on the economy, with little priority given to issues such as the environment and social inequality.
On the environmental issue, Francis was always concerned about the Amazon and openly criticized the predatory exploitation of the forest. However, during Bolsonaro’s government, there were several international trials due to the increase in deforestation, fires and conflicts with indigenous people.
How does the Brazilian nation proceed after his death?
The death of Pope Francis will certainly have a symbolic and emotional impact on many Brazilians, but it will not affect the direction of the nation itself. More conservative sectors of the Catholic Church may see a possible transition as an opportunity for a change of direction.
Political figures linked to the left (such as President Lula) or to progressivism should pay tribute by highlighting the human and social side of the Pope. The more conservative sectors, which have frequently criticized Francis, will probably adopt more formal stances, without so much emotional involvement.
EDUARDA DE NADAI GENERATO
Journalist