Brazil’s bishops propose moving Carlo Acutis’ feast to Oct 13 while urging unity, dignity, and responsible voting ahead of October elections.
Newsroom (23/04/2026 Gaudium Press) At the 62nd General Assembly of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), held at the National Shrine of Aparecida in São Paulo state, Brazil’s Catholic leadership advanced a proposal that blends liturgical adjustment with pastoral sensitivity. In a unanimous decision during Monday’s plenary session, the bishops agreed to request that the Holy See transfer the liturgical memorial of Saint Carlo Acutis in Brazil from October 12 to October 13.
The proposed change reflects a practical and symbolic consideration. In the universal calendar, Acutis is commemorated on October 12, a date that in Brazil is already dedicated to the solemnity of Our Lady of Aparecida, the nation’s patron saint. The overlap presents a pastoral challenge in a country where devotion to Aparecida holds deep cultural and religious significance. Any modification, however, will depend on approval from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.
Bishop Dom José Negri of Santo Amaro underscored the unity behind the decision, noting on social media that “all the bishops have come out in favor of October 13th.” He also pointed to the particular importance of the date for his diocese, home to the first parish dedicated to Saint Carlo Acutis. The church stands on the campus of the Ítalo Brasileiro University Center, which includes a school, making it a focal point for youth engagement.
Negri highlighted the growing devotion to the young saint, emphasizing both spiritual impact and contemporary relevance. “We have already received great graces through the intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis,” he said, adding that Acutis serves as a powerful example for young people. Canonized at just 15 years old, Acutis represents what Negri described as a model of holiness accessible in modern life.
The bishop also stressed the saint’s unique resonance in the digital age. “The internet and social media can be used for good, not just for fleeting and transient things,” he said. “Through the internet, we can become holy, if it is used well.”
Church Addresses Political Polarization
Alongside liturgical matters, the assembly has also served as a platform for addressing Brazil’s increasingly polarized political climate ahead of national elections scheduled for October 4. Voters will choose the president, governors, senators, and federal and state deputies in what Church leaders describe as a challenging environment.
Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa, Archbishop of Brasília, spoke candidly about the risks of polarization in remarks to ACI Digital following a press conference at the assembly. While acknowledging that polarization itself is not inherently harmful, he warned against its escalation into hostility.
“Polarization in itself is not a bad thing,” the cardinal said. “Polarization becomes a bad thing when people start seeing each other as enemies, when people create enmities because of different ways of thinking.”
He described election periods as inherently tense, particularly in divided societies, and reiterated the Church’s longstanding approach: to guide through principles rather than partisan alignment. “An election year is always more difficult, especially in a polarized country,” he said. “In this context, the Church does what it has always done: it points out principles and paths.”
Central to that guidance is a focus on human dignity and the common good. Costa urged voters to evaluate candidates not only on promises but on their track records, including their commitment to public welfare and integrity. “It’s necessary to look at their past history,” he said, including whether candidates have demonstrated concern for the common good or have been linked to corruption.
A Call for Responsible Civic Engagement
The cardinal emphasized that the Church does not engage in partisan politics, positioning itself instead as a unifying force. “The Church works at the level of principles, does not engage in partisan politics, and always seeks to be a unifying force that brings people together,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged the inherently challenging nature of the Church’s message. “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is unsettling and always has a prophetic dimension. It is natural that some feel uncomfortable,” he noted.
Ultimately, Costa framed the Church’s role as one of moral guidance and civic encouragement, advocating for thoughtful participation in the democratic process. “The Church wants people to vote freely and decide who the best candidates are,” he said, stressing the importance of both executive and legislative choices.
He concluded with a call for higher standards in public discourse. “Even in political debate, the Church wants it to be truly high-level, with proposals and ideas, and not fights or insults between candidates.”
As Brazil approaches a pivotal election and considers adjustments to its liturgical calendar, the CNBB assembly reflects a broader effort to balance tradition, modern relevance, and social responsibility—anchored in faith, but attentive to the realities of contemporary life.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Digital
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