Brazil's Catholic bishops have called for an impartial investigation into the federal government's handling of COVID-19 vaccine purchases amid the pandemic. They highlighted the loss of over half a million lives and allegations of corruption. The Brazilian Senate is conducting a hearing to assess potential crimes by President Jair Bolsonaro and health officials. A Ministry of Health employee alleged pressure to authorize an overpriced vaccine purchase. The bishops have previously criticized Bolsonaro's pandemic response, which has downplayed the severity of COVID-19 and dismissed safety measures.

The Brazilian bishops' conference congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his presidential election victory, emphasizing the need for continued work and unity in Brazil. The election, which saw da Silva defeat incumbent Jair Bolsonaro by a narrow margin, was the closest since the end of military rule. The bishops echoed Pope Francis's call for politics to serve the common good. Advocates for the poor and Indigenous communities expressed hope for positive changes under da Silva's leadership, particularly in the Amazon region. Da Silva plans to address Brazil's re-addition to the UN Hunger Map, a situation that has worsened since his previous presidency.

The 19th Loyalty & Awards Conference by Global Flight was successfully held in Rio de Janeiro, marking its first occurrence in South America. The event highlighted Brazil's position as one of the top three loyalty markets globally and featured discussions on loyalty program trends, including subscription programs, with insights from industry leaders. Technology's role in loyalty programs was also debated, with a consensus that emerging trends like AI and NFTs are still in early stages. The conference facilitated valuable idea exchanges among competitors and culminated in the Golden Loyalty Awards, recognizing achievements in marketing, technology, management, and partnerships.

Bishop Tomé Ferreira da Silva of São José do Rio Preto resigned following the viral spread of a video showing him exposing himself on an internet call. Pope Francis and the Brazilian bishops' conference accepted his resignation, and Archbishop Moacir Silva was appointed as the apostolic administrator. The Vatican had previously investigated allegations of sexual abuse and embezzlement involving da Silva, but he was cleared of these accusations in an internal investigation.

SP-Arte, Latin America's largest art and design fair, opened its 19th edition with significant participation and interest from galleries and collectors. The fair is experiencing a resurgence in international attention, coinciding with Brazil's improved geopolitical image post-election and the upcoming Sao Paulo Biennial. The fair showcases a strong representation of Brazilian Indigenous artists and a special project by Carollina Lauriano. Despite logistical challenges, the sentiment among participants is optimistic, with foreign galleries like Maât Gallery expressing positive experiences and a commitment to the Brazilian market.

The Diocese of Petrópolis and local parishes are offering shelter to victims of severe mudslides caused by a torrential rainstorm in Petrópolis, Brazil. Bishop Gregório Paixão Neto has called for solidarity, personally housing a family, and the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro has initiated a donation campaign. The mid-February storm, the worst in 70 years, resulted in over 100 deaths with many still missing. The Brazilian bishops' conference has also urged action and prayer in response to the disaster.

Brazilian artist Maxwell Alexandre demanded the Inhotim Institute, Brazil's largest outdoor contemporary art museum, to remove his work from the Quilombo exhibition, criticizing the museum's treatment of Black subject matter. The museum complied, removing his large-scale paintings from the Novo Poder series on December 7, 2022. The exhibition, which features 32 other artists and a collective, honors the legacy of Brazilian artist Abdias do Nascimento and continues at Inhotim’s Galeria Lago. Alexandre also has a solo show at The Shed in New York until January 8.

The Brazilian bishops' conference congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his presidential election victory, emphasizing the need for continued work and unity in Brazil. They highlighted the importance of politics serving the common good, echoing Pope Francis. With da Silva's win, there is renewed hope for the protection of Indigenous minorities, the Amazon, and the environment. Da Silva plans to address Brazil's removal from the UN Hunger Map, a problem exacerbated since 2018, with millions facing food insecurity.

ArtRio, Brazil's art fair, returned for its 12th edition in Rio de Janeiro with an in-person event after two years of a hybrid model. The fair featured 62 galleries divided into Terra and Mar pavilions, showcasing established and emerging artists respectively. São Paulo gallery Almeida & Dale celebrated Antônio Bandeira's centenary with a display of his works, while the Solo Project curated by Ademar Britto highlighted young artists addressing social issues. Elian Almeida's works, which explore Afro-Brazilian history, sold out quickly. The fair continues to focus on Brazilian art, with the recent addition of SP-Arte's Rotas Brasileiras, indicating strong collector demand.

Brazil's bicentennial of independence has prompted a focus on Indigenous cultures, leading to the reopening of Rio de Janeiro's Museu do Índio and the opening of São Paulo's Museu das Culturas Indígenas. The Museu do Índio, closed since 2016, is set to reopen next year after renovations and has been involving Indigenous groups in curating its collection. The Museu das Culturas Indígenas, which opened on June 30, features exhibitions by Indigenous artists and aims to foster respect for Indigenous cultures through engagement and storytelling.

The Brazilian bishops’ Indigenous Missionary Council reported a dramatic increase in violence and rights violations against Indigenous peoples in Brazil, with 2021 being the most disastrous year in history. The report highlighted a 180% increase in invasions and mining on Indigenous lands since President Jair Bolsonaro took office. It registered 355 cases of violence, including 176 murders, and criticized the government for legal actions that undermine Indigenous rights, such as allowing mining on their lands. The report also noted the spread of diseases like COVID-19 and malaria by invaders. Despite federal public ministry actions, Bolsonaro has not demarcated any Indigenous lands for three years. The Catholic council emphasized the importance of protecting Indigenous peoples and the reflection of a nation's values in how it treats its vulnerable populations.

Catholic leaders are actively encouraging discussions and lobbying against the death penalty in the United States. Recent webinars have highlighted the Catholic Church's stance and the need for bipartisan support in Congress to pass anti-death penalty bills. The Catholic Mobilizing Network has launched an online petition to end the federal death penalty, and leaders are urging discussions within parishes and families. The article also mentions recent executions and the Supreme Court's role in denying stays of execution.

The Our Lady of Mystic Rose Shelter in Montes Claros, Brazil, founded by Gregorio Ventura and supported by the Brazilian bishops’ National Solidarity Fund, provides housing and psychological support to socially vulnerable and homeless women. Women like Beatriz Silva and Maria have found refuge and the opportunity to rebuild their lives through the shelter's support. Archbishop João Justino de Medeiros Silva commends the project for embodying the Gospel's teachings.

The 17th edition of SP-Arte, the São Paulo International Art Festival, is taking place from October 20th to 24th at ARCA in São Paulo. This year's fair features a hybrid model with in-person activities and online visitation through SP-Arte's digital space, The Viewing Room, marking a historic edition with the return of face-to-face interactions.

Researchers from Brazil, Finland, and the United States discovered a new species of screech owl in the Amazon forest, named Megascops stangiae in honor of the late Sister Dorothy Stang, who was assassinated in 2005 for her environmental and social work in the region. The naming serves as a tribute to her life's work and aims to bring attention to the ongoing deforestation in the Amazon. Sister Stang's legacy continues to inspire environmental efforts and is recognized internationally.

Sister Lorayne Caroline Tinti, a Brazilian nun and member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Resurrection, has advanced to the final of MasterChef Brasil, attributing her success to 'divine help' and prayer. She noticed and corrected an issue with the shrimp she was given to cook, which contributed to her victory. Sister Tinti learned to cook from her family and honed her skills at her order's mission house bakery. Her participation in the show has increased interest in the social projects conducted by the sisters and in religious life. She is known for her versatility with eggplant and her expertise in pastries and desserts. As she prepares for the finals, she plans to seek divine assistance and pray while cooking.

Father Julio Lancellotti, a priest from Sao Paulo, received a personal call from Pope Francis, thanking him for his longstanding service to the homeless. The Pope had seen photos sent by Father Lancellotti depicting the plight of the homeless in Sao Paulo and wanted to express his love and prayers for them. Despite threats against him, Father Lancellotti continues his work, supported by the homeless community and church officials. The pandemic posed challenges, but it also brought solidarity, with many contributing to help. Pope Francis highlighted the call during an Angelus talk, emphasizing the church's role in inviting everyone to God's banquet.