Pope Francis said Wednesday that he asked the patron saint of Brazil, Nossa Senhora Aparecida, to free the Brazilian people “from hatred, intolerance and violence,” four days before the second round of the country’s presidential elections.
“I pray to Our Lady of the Aparecida Conception to protect the beloved Brazilian people and free them from hatred and violence,” the pope said at the weekly Wednesday audience, as he greeted the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims.
The Pope’s words, quoted by the Spanish news agency Efe, come at the end of the electoral campaign in Brazil, between the current president, Jair Bolsonaro, and the former head of state Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in the most polarized elections since The country regained democracy in 1985.
The elections were characterized by a climate of tension between Lula da Silva, the favorite to win according to the polls, and Bolsonaro, who is seeking re-election.
In the first round of the presidential elections, held on October 2, Lula da Silva was the most voted candidate, with 48.4% of the vote, and Bolsonaro was in second place with 43.2%.
The second round of elections will take place on Sunday, October 30.
Source: TSF
