Survey conducted by the Pontifical Catholic University in 2018 highlights the significant presence of the Catholic Church in the region as well as in the peripheries of the state capital
Most of the population in the region of the Archdiocese of São Paulo identifies as a Catholic, according to a survey conducted by the Pontifical Catholic University. These data, however, are from 2018, since the has not updated the religious census since then. Cardinal Dom Odilo Scherer, in an interview with the official news agency of Vatican News stressed that most Catholics are concentrated in the central region of the Archdiocese, but there is also a significant presence in the outskirts of the state capital. He also mentioned the growth of other religions, especially those of African matrices, both in São Paulo and Brazil.
Dom Odilo Scherer, who participates in the conclave to choose the new Pope, commented on the selection process of the pontiff. He emphasized that the choice is not the result of shells, but a discernment made in a climate of prayer and responsibility for the church. The cardinal pointed out that the responsibility is about who will lead the church to perform its mission well, not about saving an ideology or party. The interview was granted at the beginning of the year, and Dom Odilo also participated in a press conference about the death of Pope Francis and the operation of the conclave.
This week, Dom Odilo Scherer will participate in the burial ceremony of Pope Francis and the conclave that will elect the new pontiff. By the rules of the conclave, it can be chosen as a Pope, as well as the other cardinals present. In addition to Dom Odilo, six other Brazilian cardinals will participate in the conclave. The process involves various discussions and prayers to choose the new leader of the Catholic Church.
*With information from Camila Yunes
*Report produced with the aid of AI
