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(Created page with "{{Country | country_name = Brazil | continent = South America | region = Eastern South America | historical_region = Portuguese America | area_sq_km = 8515767 | population = 216000000 | catholic_population = 129600000 | catholic_percentage = 60 | catholicism_status = Majority religion | official_languages = Portuguese | capital_city = Brasília | date_catholicism_introduced = 16th century | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 18 | dioceses_count = 215 | patro...")
 
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'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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.
'''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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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 ###
== History ==
Brazil gained independence in 1822, succeeding Portuguese colonial rule, with roots in indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholicism, introduced in the 1500s by Portuguese missionaries, shaped colonial society and remained dominant until the 20th century, when secularization and evangelical growth emerged.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The Church has influenced education and social justice, notably through liberation theology.
Brazil gained independence in 1822, succeeding Portuguese colonial rule, with roots in indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholicism, introduced in the 1500s by Portuguese missionaries, shaped colonial society and remained dominant until the 20th century, when secularization and evangelical growth emerged.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The Church has influenced education and social justice, notably through liberation theology.


### Geography ###
== Geography ==
Brazil spans 8,515,767 km², bordered by the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Ocean, and all South American countries except [[Chile]] and [[Ecuador]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Geography |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Brazil |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1908 |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02745a.htm |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
Brazil spans 8,515,767 km², bordered by the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Ocean, and all South American countries except [[Chile]] and [[Ecuador]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Geography |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Brazil |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1908 |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02745a.htm |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Demographics ###
== Demographics ==
Brazil’s population is approximately 216 million as of 2023, with 60% (129.6 million) identifying as Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholics are widespread, particularly in rural Northeast and urban Southeast regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Ethnic groups include White (47%), Mixed (43%), Black (8%), and Amerindian (1%). Evangelical Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Brazil |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-brazil/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
Brazil’s population is approximately 216 million as of 2023, with 60% (129.6 million) identifying as Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholics are widespread, particularly in rural Northeast and urban Southeast regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Ethnic groups include White (47%), Mixed (43%), Black (8%), and Amerindian (1%). Evangelical Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Brazil |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-brazil/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Catholic church ###
== 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).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via [[Caritas Brazil]], with lay catechists vital in indigenous and rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
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).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via [[Caritas Brazil]], with lay catechists vital in indigenous and rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


#### Structure ####
=== Structure ===
The Catholic Church in Brazil has 18 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 215 jurisdictions (archdioceses, dioceses, prelatures, and territorial abbacies).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil (by Ecclesiastical Provinces) |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR-prov.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dioceses |url=https://www.cnbb.org.br/dioceses/ |publisher=Brazilian Episcopal Conference |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Key jurisdictions include:
The Catholic Church in Brazil has 18 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 215 jurisdictions (archdioceses, dioceses, prelatures, and territorial abbacies).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil (by Ecclesiastical Provinces) |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR-prov.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dioceses |url=https://www.cnbb.org.br/dioceses/ |publisher=Brazilian Episcopal Conference |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Key jurisdictions include:
* Ecclesiastical Province of Aparecida:
* Ecclesiastical Province of Aparecida:
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** [[Diocese of São Mateus]] (São Mateus, Espírito Santo)
** [[Diocese of São Mateus]] (São Mateus, Espírito Santo)


### Introduction of Catholicism ###
== Introduction of Catholicism ==
Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, notably [[Jesuits]], following the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Missions established Christianity among indigenous groups, with devotion to [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] emerging after her 1717 apparition.
Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, notably [[Jesuits]], following the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Missions established Christianity among indigenous groups, with devotion to [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] emerging after her 1717 apparition.


### Key historical events ###
== Key historical events ==
Milestones include:
Milestones include:
* Establishment of the [[Diocese of São Salvador da Bahia]] (1551), the first in Brazil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-catholic-history.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2021-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
* Establishment of the [[Diocese of São Salvador da Bahia]] (1551), the first in Brazil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-catholic-history.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2021-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
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* [[Pope Francis]]’s visit for [[World Youth Day]] (2013), boosting Catholic engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Youth Day Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2013-07/world-youth-day-brazil.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2013-07-28 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
* [[Pope Francis]]’s visit for [[World Youth Day]] (2013), boosting Catholic engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Youth Day Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2013-07/world-youth-day-brazil.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2013-07-28 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Catholicism status ###
== Catholicism status ==
The [[Catholic Church]] is the majority religion in Brazil, with 60% of the population Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and education, despite evangelical growth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
The [[Catholic Church]] is the majority religion in Brazil, with 60% of the population Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and education, despite evangelical growth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Administrative subdivisions ###
== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Government |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with state boundaries. The states and federal district are:
Brazil is divided into 26 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as states, and 1 federal district, each governed by a governor or mayor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Government |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with state boundaries. The states and federal district are:
* [[Acre]]
* [[Acre]]
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* [[Federal District]]
* [[Federal District]]


### Predecessor states ###
== Predecessor states ==
Brazil emerged from Portuguese colonial rule (1500–1822), known as Portuguese America, with indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures preceding it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholicism transformed these cultures post-colonization.
Brazil emerged from Portuguese colonial rule (1500–1822), known as Portuguese America, with indigenous Tupi and Guarani cultures preceding it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brazil |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Brazil |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholicism transformed these cultures post-colonization.


### Successor states ###
== Successor states ==
Brazil remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1822.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
Brazil remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1822.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Cultural influence ###
== Cultural influence ==


#### Festivals and traditions ####
=== Festivals and traditions ===
Catholics celebrate [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], and the feast of [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] (October 12) with Masses and processions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Traditions in Brazil |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/brazil |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2022-08-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Pilgrimages to the [[Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida]] draw millions annually.
Catholics celebrate [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], and the feast of [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] (October 12) with Masses and processions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Traditions in Brazil |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/brazil |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2022-08-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Pilgrimages to the [[Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida]] draw millions annually.


#### Education and charity ####
=== Education and charity ===
The Church operates schools and supports [[Caritas Brazil]], aiding indigenous and impoverished communities, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholic education is vital in urban and rural areas.
The Church operates schools and supports [[Caritas Brazil]], aiding indigenous and impoverished communities, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Catholic education is vital in urban and rural areas.


#### Art and architecture ####
=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Sites in Brazil |url=https://www.advantour.com/brazil/religion.htm |publisher=Advantour |date=2023-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
Catholic heritage is reflected in the [[Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida]] and [[Metropolitan Cathedral of São Paulo]], showcasing colonial and modern styles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Sites in Brazil |url=https://www.advantour.com/brazil/religion.htm |publisher=Advantour |date=2023-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Notable Catholic sites ###
== Notable Catholic sites ==


#### Pilgrimage 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-pilgrimages.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2021-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
The [[Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida]] in Aparecida and [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Caravaggio]] in Farroupilha are major pilgrimage destinations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Brazil |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/brazil-pilgrimages.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2021-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


#### Historical churches ####
=== Historical churches ===
The [[Cathedral of Salvador]] in Bahia and [[Candelária Church]] in Rio de Janeiro are significant historical sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
The [[Cathedral of Salvador]] in Bahia and [[Candelária Church]] in Rio de Janeiro are significant historical sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Saints and blesseds ###
== Saints and blesseds ==


#### Patron saints ####
=== Patron saints ===
[[Our Lady of Aparecida]], revered for her 1717 apparition, is Brazil’s patron saint.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Brazil |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
[[Our Lady of Aparecida]], revered for her 1717 apparition, is Brazil’s patron saint.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Brazil |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


#### Associated saints and blesseds ####
=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dulce of the Poor Canonization |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-10/dulce-of-the-poor-canonization.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-10-13 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Blessed [[Zilda Arns]], died 2010, is noted for her social work.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zilda Arns Cause |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-01/zilda-arns-cause.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dulce of the Poor Canonization |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-10/dulce-of-the-poor-canonization.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-10-13 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Blessed [[Zilda Arns]], died 2010, is noted for her social work.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zilda Arns Cause |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-01/zilda-arns-cause.html |author=Vatican News |publisher=Vatican News |date=2019-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Challenges to Catholicism ###
== Challenges to Catholicism ==
The Church faces evangelical growth, secularization, and urban migration, reducing Catholic adherence since the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Responses include promoting [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] and youth engagement through events like [[World Youth Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Catholic Church in Brazil |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/catholic-church-brazil-feat-jose-luis-ramos/ |publisher=LinkedIn |date=2025-05-23 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>
The Church faces evangelical growth, secularization, and urban migration, reducing Catholic adherence since the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brazil |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> Responses include promoting [[Our Lady of Aparecida]] and youth engagement through events like [[World Youth Day]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Catholic Church in Brazil |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/catholic-church-brazil-feat-jose-luis-ramos/ |publisher=LinkedIn |date=2025-05-23 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref>


### Social and political influence ###
== Social and political influence ==
The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through [[Caritas Brazil]] and education, influencing environmental and indigenous rights despite secular governance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> It fosters community cohesion in Brazil’s diverse society.
The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through [[Caritas Brazil]] and education, influencing environmental and indigenous rights despite secular governance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Brazil: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/brazil/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-25}}</ref> It fosters community cohesion in Brazil’s diverse society.


### References ###
== References ==
<references />
<references />


### External links ###
== External links ==
* {{Cite web |title=Brazil |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}
* {{Cite web |title=Brazil |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-25}}
* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}
* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Brazil |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-25 |access-date=2025-05-25}}
* {{Cite web |title=Annuario Pontificio: Brazil |url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/brazil |publisher=Vatican |date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}
* {{Cite web |title=Annuario Pontificio: Brazil |url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/brazil |publisher=Vatican |date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-25}}

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