Politics‘No one disrespects Our Lady’: Brazil’s patron saint becomes election flashpoint

Speculation that far-right presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro could seek to remove Our Lady of Aparecida as Brazil’s patroness has triggered a nationwide outcry ahead of Sunday’s vote. With Bolsonaro and Catholic leftwing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva tied in polls, analysts say the dispute could affect the knife-edge race.

Brazil electionFlávio BolsonaroLulareligious tensions

TThe Guardian★★★★☆2026-10-02 04:00Original