Aparecida Sanctuary priest criticizes privileges in homily

Father Ferdinando Mancílio, the rector of the National Sanctuary of Aparecida, criticized social privileges during a homily on Saturday. Without naming specific individuals, he mentioned people who have “a private jet at their disposal” to flee, contrasting their situation with the majority of the population who must work daily to afford food and face challenges like long bus lines and monthly bills.

The remarks were widely interpreted on social media as a reference to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who recently traveled to the United States via Argentina and Ecuador. This travel occurred despite a Supreme Court decision by Minister Alexandre de Moraes prohibiting the senator from leaving Brazil and requiring the surrender of his passports as part of a money laundering investigation. The senator denies any wrongdoing.

During the service, Mancílio also addressed critics who label him a communist for advocating for a Church focused on the poor. He stated that discussing hunger, inequality, and human dignity should not be considered an offense and argued that the Gospel should not serve as a “luxury curtain” for those who prefer a faith that does not interfere with their privileges.