In a position on the 2026 elections, bishops ask for respect for the institutions and results of the polls
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil agreed on Thursday (June 18, 2026) to state that the Catholic Church does not nominate candidates or parties.
The bishops, however, requested the conscious participation of citizens in the electoral process. They asked for respect for institutions and the results of the polls. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening democracy, confidence in the electoral process and compliance with the Clean Record Law.
“Inspired by the biblical passage ‘Examine everything and keep what is good’ (1 Thess 5:21), the message recalls that the Catholic Church does not nominate candidates or political parties. However, it highlights that the Christian faith and the Social Doctrine of the Church recognize politics, when guided by ethics, as one of the highest forms of charity and service to society”states the text.
According to the bishops, more than choosing rulers, Brazilians are called to “renew the commitment to fundamental values for democratic coexistence, social justice and fraternity”.
The CNBB says that abstention is not the best choice. The bishops ask for discernment that goes beyond campaign promises, considering the candidates’ life paths and the consequences of the commitments made.
In April this year, CNBB on the president’s (PT) social networks in which he talks about the role of the Church in defending democracy and social rights in the country. Lula says that the entity was on the front line against the military dictatorship, in defense of politically persecuted people and in support of social movements.
In the video, the PT member also cited the Church’s participation in urban workers’ strikes and in the struggle for agrarian reform. At the end, he paid tribute to names linked to the defense of the excluded and greeted the Brazilian bishops on behalf of these religious.
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