59 Bishops sign letter supporting Lula and rejecting Flávio Bolsonaro

A group of 35 Brazilian bishops signed a letter published in the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo warning against presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. The bishops stated that his election would threaten democracy, national sovereignty, and the common good. They also expressed concern that Brazil would become subordinate to the United States under his leadership.

The letter comes before the October 25 runoff election between Bolsonaro and the incumbent president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro, a candidate for the Liberal Party and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, won the first round of the election with 47% of the vote.

The bishops expressed support for Lula da Silva, who represents the Workers Party. Bolsonaro has campaigned on reducing taxes and public spending, implementing tougher crime policies, and strengthening ties with Israel and the United States. Lula da Silva has proposed expanding welfare programs, increasing environmental protections, and increasing involvement with the global South.