Brazil

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Stored: Brazil

Country: Brazil
Historic: No
Existence: 1822–
Continent: South America
Region: Eastern South America
Historical Region: Portuguese America
Area: 8515767 km²
Population: 216000000
Catholic Population: 129600000
Catholic Percentage: 60%
Catholicism Status: Majority religion
Official Languages: Portuguese
Capital: Brasília
Catholicism Introduced: 16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 18
Dioceses: 215
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Aparecida
Predecessor States: Portuguese America
Successor States:


Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is a country in South America spanning approximately 8,515,767 km², with a population of about 216 million as of 2023.[1] Its official language is Portuguese, and its economy relies on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The Catholic Church, with approximately 129.6 million Catholics (60%) as of 2024, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Portuguese colonization.[2] Centered in São Paulo, with devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida and sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, the Church profoundly shapes Brazil’s cultural and spiritual identity.

History

Brazil gained independence in 1822, succeeding Portuguese colonial rule, with roots in indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures.[3] Catholicism, introduced in the 1500s by Portuguese missionaries, shaped colonial society and remained dominant until the 20th century, when secularization and evangelical growth emerged.[4] The Church has influenced education and social justice, notably through liberation theology.

Geography

Brazil spans 8,515,767 km², bordered by the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Ocean, and all South American countries except Chile and Ecuador.[5] Its tropical climate supports coffee and soybean production, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Bahia. Major cities include São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, with the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida as a key pilgrimage site.[6]

Demographics

Brazil’s population is approximately 216 million as of 2023, with 60% (129.6 million) identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics are widespread, particularly in rural Northeast and urban Southeast regions.[8] Ethnic groups include White (47%), Mixed (43%), Black (8%), and Amerindian (1%). Evangelical Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.[9]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Brazil operates through 18 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 215 dioceses, serving about 129.6 million Catholics under the Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB).[10] The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Brazil, with lay catechists vital in indigenous and rural areas.[11]

Structure

The Catholic Church in Brazil has 18 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 215 jurisdictions (archdioceses, dioceses, prelatures, and territorial abbacies).[12][13] Key jurisdictions include:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, notably Jesuits, following the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500.[14] Missions established Christianity among indigenous groups, with devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida emerging after her 1717 apparition.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is the majority religion in Brazil, with 60% of the population Catholic.[20] The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and education, despite evangelical growth.[21]

Administrative subdivisions

Brazil is divided into 26 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as states, and 1 federal district, each governed by a governor or mayor.[22] These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with state boundaries. The states and federal district are:

Predecessor states

Brazil emerged from Portuguese colonial rule (1500–1822), known as Portuguese America, with indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures preceding it.[23] Catholicism transformed these cultures post-colonization.

Successor states

Brazil remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1822.[24]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida (October 12) with Masses and processions.[25] Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida draw millions annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Brazil, aiding indigenous and impoverished communities, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[26] Catholic education is vital in urban and rural areas.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida and Metropolitan Cathedral of São Paulo, showcasing colonial and modern styles.[27]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Caravaggio in Farroupilha are major pilgrimage destinations.[28]

Historical churches

The Cathedral of Salvador in Bahia and Candelária Church in Rio de Janeiro are significant historical sites.[29]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Aparecida, revered for her 1717 apparition, is Brazil’s patron saint.[30]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints include Saint Anthony of St. Ann Galvão, died 1822, canonized 2007, known for his healing miracles; and Saint Dulce of the Poor, died 1992, canonized 2019, known for her charity.[31] Blessed Zilda Arns, died 2010, is noted for her social work.[32]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces evangelical growth, secularization, and urban migration, reducing Catholic adherence since the 1980s.[33] Responses include promoting Our Lady of Aparecida and youth engagement through events like World Youth Day.[34]

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Brazil and education, influencing environmental and indigenous rights despite secular governance.[35] It fosters community cohesion in Brazil’s diverse society.

References

  1. ↑ "Brazil". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Brazil". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-25. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm. 
  3. ↑ "History of Brazil". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil. 
  4. ↑ "Catholicism in Brazil". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil. 
  5. ↑ "Brazil: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  6. ↑ New Advent (1908). Catholic Encyclopedia: Brazil. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02745a.htm. 
  7. ↑ "Brazil: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Brazil". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-25. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Religion in Brazil". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-brazil/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Brazil". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-25. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Caritas Brazil: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/. 
  12. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Brazil (by Ecclesiastical Provinces)". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-25. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR-prov.htm. 
  13. ↑ "Dioceses". Brazilian Episcopal Conference. 2024-12-01. https://www.cnbb.org.br/dioceses/. 
  14. ↑ "Catholicism in Brazil". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil. 
  15. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Church in Brazil". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-catholic-history.html. 
  16. ↑ Catholic News Agency (2020-10-12). "Our Lady of Aparecida". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/our-lady-of-aparecida-615. 
  17. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-pilgrimages.html. 
  18. ↑ Vatican News (2007-05-11). "Anthony Galvão Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2007-05/anthony-galvao-canonization.html. 
  19. ↑ Vatican News (2013-07-28). "World Youth Day Brazil". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2013-07/world-youth-day-brazil.html. 
  20. ↑ "Brazil: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  21. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/. 
  22. ↑ "Brazil: Government". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  23. ↑ "History of Brazil". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil. 
  24. ↑ "Brazil: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/. 
  25. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Brazil". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/brazil. 
  26. ↑ "Caritas Brazil: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/. 
  27. ↑ "Religious Sites in Brazil". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/brazil/religion.htm. 
  28. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Brazil". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-pilgrimages.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Brazil". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-25. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Brazil". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  31. ↑ Vatican News (2019-10-13). "Dulce of the Poor Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-10/dulce-of-the-poor-canonization.html. 
  32. ↑ Vatican News (2019-01-15). "Zilda Arns Cause". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-01/zilda-arns-cause.html. 
  33. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/. 
  34. ↑ "The Catholic Church in Brazil". LinkedIn. 2025-05-23. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/catholic-church-brazil-feat-jose-luis-ramos/. 
  35. ↑ "Caritas Brazil: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/. 

External links

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