Fortaleza, 1909 – Recife (Brazil), 1999

By Daniela Jinkings

A priest and political activist, Brazilian Dom Hélder Câmara became known internationally as the “red bishop.” During the 1930s, he even sympathized with Italian fascism and the Ação Integralista, a Brazilian national-fascist organization led by Plínio Salgado. He founded the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and, in the 1960s, was part of the opposition to the government of João Goulart. In 1964, he supported the military coup and Marshal Castelo Branco, the first of the dictators in the 1964-1984 cycle, during the early years of his government. However, he soon became critical of the authoritarian nature of the dictatorship and the repressive methods of torture, attending protests against the military regime. Making extensive use of the media, his good rhetoric, and catchy phrases, Dom Hélder denounced the atrocities committed in the dungeons of the dictatorship, of which he became a declared opponent. It is said that the government of Garrastazu Médici (1970-1974) was the architect of his defeat for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971 and 1974. He published 22 books of poems, letters, and chronicles, and composed the “Symphony of Two Worlds.” He died at home, peacefully in his sleep, at the age of ninety.