Brazil’s ecological offenses have been overshadowed by an arguably graver crisis, according to members of the local church, the government’s disastrous response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an exclusive interview conducted over email with America, Archbishop Azevedo criticized Brazilian politicians “in different stances of power” who have “minimized the effects of the pandemic.”

The advisory panels should become a means of assistance and counsel for their respective national bishops’ conferences. “The members of these groups can instruct, with their own experience, how to deal with the issue of abuse, especially when it comes to listening to victims and accompanying them.”

Brazil is still reeling three days after 10 people were killed by two young men who assaulted a São Paulo suburban school on March 12.

For many of these small groups, remaining uncontacted is a survival strategy.

Some members of the armed forces resent the influence and popularity of the Catholic Church in the Amazon.

“As long as there is a dictatorship in Venezuela, it is better not to return,” said Alexander. “I feel that there is an illegitimate government, a power that literally controls everything, but also an opposition that has defrauded the people many times.”

The tragedy raises anew the question: Is Brazil capable of pursuing economic development while responsibly caring for its environment?

Soup lines are longer, more people depend on charities to get by, and more live on the streets or have joined the burgeoning populations of Argentina’s impoverished villas.

Mr. Bolsonaro’s far-right rhetoric during the campaign has led to uncertainties about his policies as president and drawn international concern about the course he will set for the nation.