At the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, in Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, a mass was held on Sunday that brought together faithful with different political positions. The event demonstrated how electoral polarization also manifests itself in traditional religious settings, and not only in the so-called neo-Pentecostal churches. During the 12 p.m. mass, the list of intentions requested by parishioners included requests for "health and safety for Minister André Mendonça," an ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, and also "health for President Lula," demonstrating the coexistence of different political views among the attendees. André Mendonça is a minister in the Bolsonaro government frequently associated with the Bolsonaro base, while Lula is the main political adversary of that same base. The original article was exclusive for subscribers and sought to illustrate the so-called "explosive mix of religion with politics" in contemporary Brazilian society.
Politics
Elections
Bolsonaristas and Lula supporters at mass at the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, in Copacabana, yesterday
oglobo14 September 2026 at 19:02
Why this matters
The mixing of religion and politics in spaces such as Catholic churches directly affects Brazilian faithful, who see their religious communities become political battlegrounds. This episode illustrates how electoral polarization has deepened in Brazil, penetrating institutions previously considered neutral, and raises questions about the role of faith in politics and vice versa.
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This is our short summary of a report published by oglobo on 14 September 2026 at 19:02; the full text stays with the publisher. In our feed it sits under Politics. We currently carry 29777 items in that section.
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