Flávio Bolsonaro Accuses CNBB of Spreading Fake News on Patron Saint

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.