Brazil–Holy See relations

Brazil–Holy See relations refers to the current and historical relations between Brazil and the Holy See. Catholicism was introduced in Brazil in 1500 by the Portuguese Empire, and it is the country's predominant faith. Brazil also has the world's largest Catholic population. Since the adoption of the Constitution in 1891, Brazil is a secular nation.

Brazil–Holy See relations

Brazil
Holy See

History

Soon after Brazil declared its independence in 1822, Brazil and the Holy See have maintained diplomatic relations. In 1826, the first Brazilian envoy to the Papal court arrived in Rome.[1] The Brazilian embassy to the Holy See is among the oldest Brazilian diplomatic representations abroad. In November 1871, Emperor Pedro II of Brazil paid a visit to the Vatican and met with Pope Pius IX.[2]

In 1872, a crisis between both nations ensued with regards to the Religious Question when the Brazilian Imperial government wanted to reform the church and appointed a series of reforming bishops. In 1891, Brazil became a secular nation with the adoption of a Republican Constitution. In 1919, the Brazilian representation to the Holy See was elevated to the category of an embassy.[1]

In June 1980, Pope John Paul II became the first Pope to visit Brazil and he toured the nation for two weeks.[3] In 1986, Brazilian President José Sarney became the first Brazilian President to visit the Vatican.[1] Since the initial visits, there would be several more Papal and Presidential visits between both nations.

In November 2008, during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva second visit to the Vatican, an agreement was signed between both nations on the Legal Statute of the Catholic Church in Brazil, which consolidates rules for the Church's activities in the country. The main objective of the agreement is to give Brazil's relations with the Holy See enhanced legal certainty, always in accordance with the state's secular principle. The agreement has been in force since 2010.[1]

In 2013, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff paid a visit to the Vatican to attend the inauguration of Pope Francis, the first Latin and South American Pope.[1] In July 2013, Pope Francis paid a 5-day visit to Brazil, his first Papal voyage after becoming Pope in March 2013.[4] In February 2014, President Rousseff paid a second visit to the Vatican.

High-level visits
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff meeting recently elected Pope Francis in the Vatican; March 2013.

High-level visits from Brazil to the Holy See

Papal visits from the Holy See to Brazil

Resident diplomatic missions
  • Brazil has an embassy to the Holy See based in Rome.[5]
  • Holy see has an Apostolic Nunciature in Brasília.
  • Embassy of Brazil to the Holy See
  • Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Brasília

See also

References
  1. Brasil-Santa Sé (in Portuguese)
  2. Dom Pedro the Magnanimous, Second Emperor of Brazil
  3. Apostolic Journey to Brazil
  4. Pope Francis celebrates Brazil Mass on Copacabana beach
  5. Embassy of Brazil to the Holy See
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