Brazilian Bishops Fault Congress, Debt Costs in Year‑End Message

Overview

• In its New Year message, the conference cites a “loss of decoro” and lack of responsibility by authorities, especially in Congress, saying this weakens democratic mechanisms and public trust.
• The document denounces legislative rollbacks, pointing to approval of the Marco Temporal for Indigenous land demarcation, changes to environmental licensing, and efforts to loosen the Lei da Ficha Limpa.
• The bishops acknowledge 2025 gains, noting a stronger SUS, falling unemployment, stable inflation, GDP growth, the removal of some U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products, and Brazil’s hosting of COP‑30 in Belém.
• The statement is signed by CNBB president Cardinal Dom Jaime Spengler along with other members of the conference’s leadership.
• The message reiterates opposition to legalizing abortion and calls for pacification, dialogue, and rejection of hate speech, manipulation, and radicalism.