Flávio Bolsonaro Accuses CNBB of Spreading Fake News on Patron Saint
Presidential candidate denies plan to remove Our Lady of Aparecida's title and blames bishops' conference; CNBB demands proof and Lula's campaign prepares defense.
KEY POINTS
- Flávio Bolsonaro denies any plan to remove Our Lady of Aparecida's title as Patroness of Brazil.
- He accuses the PT and individuals linked to the CNBB of spreading the claim as "fake news."
- CNBB issues statement denying participation in disinformation and demands proof of the accusation.
- Lula's campaign prepares note defending CNBB; Bolsonaro team plans outreach to Catholic voters.
- Brazil has 100.2 million Catholics (56.7% of population), per latest Census.
Presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) denied allegations that he intends to strip Our Lady of Aparecida of her title as Patroness of Brazil. Speaking to journalists in Rio de Janeiro, he called the claim a "fake news" amplified by GloboNews and accused the Workers' Party (PT) of orchestrating the narrative.
During a campaign stop in Goiânia on Sunday, Bolsonaro escalated the dispute by stating that individuals linked to the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) helped spread the false rumor. He alleged the PT maintains a "league of lies" and claimed the controversy had quickly backfired.
“A lie is not fought with another lie.”
The CNBB issued a formal statement hours later denying any production, authorization, or participation in the dissemination of false electoral information. The conference did not name Bolsonaro directly but declared that attributing involvement in disinformation networks without evidence unjustly harms the institution, adding: "A lie is not fought with another lie."
Lula's campaign views the accusation against the CNBB as a major misstep by Bolsonaro and is drafting a note in solidarity with the bishops. With 100.2 million Catholics representing 56.7% of the population, the episode carries significant electoral weight. Bolsonaro's team is now preparing outreach to Catholics, including a possible meeting with priests this week.
12 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Spanish YouTubers condemn Vox after Abascal cancels Wild interview
Vox candidate Santiago Abascal withdrew from a planned interview with Jordi Wild, prompting criticism from fellow creators.
Ireland faces pressure over alumina shipments to Russia amid Ukraine war
European leaders meeting in Dublin urge Ireland to halt alumina exports that may support Russia's military production.
Chile Freezes Fuel Prices Until February to End Trucker Strike
The government withdraws its fuel bill and promises a price freeze through early February as negotiations with transporters continue.
- Spain equates single-parent families with large families in new decree
- Argentina government pushes electoral reform in Senate ahead of November 30 deadline
- Education Minister Tekin Seeks Handshakes, Opposition Refuses During Budget Talks
- Scott Colom becomes Mississippi's first Black senator elected by voters in 150 years
- Defendants Seek Release in Istanbul Municipality Corruption Trial
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards