Father Júlio Lancellotti is ordered to leave social networks by order of Cardinal Odilo Scherer amid controversy By Maria
4 min read
 |
Father Júlio Lancellotti, coordinator of Pastoral of Povo of Rua in Arquidiocese of The determination came from Cardinal Dom Odilo Scherer, metropolitan archbishop of São Paulo, in an internal conversation held in December 2025.
The measure covers the complete interruption of posts and lives, including Sunday celebrations at Paróquia São Miguel Arcanjo, in the Mooca neighborhood, east of the capital of São Paulo. The priest, aged 76, highlighted that he accepts the decision in a spirit of resilience and recollection. Rumores regarding the transfer of the parish were denied by the religious himself.
Pastoral work with homeless people
Júlio Lancellotti has worked for more than four decades in assisting people in vulnerable situations in São Paulo. Sua pastoral care includes distribution of food, hygiene kits and social support in central regions of the city. The work gained national visibility during the Covid-19 pandemic, when support actions intensified.
The priest coordinates initiatives such as Casa of Oração of Povo of Rua and educational projects, including a recent library opened to serve this public. Essas activities continue in person, without interruption by archdiocesan determination. Voluntários regularly participate in daily activities.
Recurrent attacks from conservative groups
Lancellotti has faced constant criticism from figures aligned with the political right since the pandemic period. Acusações include alleged facilitation of drug use in downtown areas, denied by the priest. Políticos as well as the vice mayor of São Paulo, Colonel Ricardo Mello Araújo, have publicly questioned his actions.
Councilors allied with former president Jair Bolsonaro tried to open investigations into pastoral work. Campanhas organized online activities amplified criticism, generating recurring threats and defamation. The religious maintains that his work is strictly pastoral, with no links to non-governmental organizations.
- Periodic distribution of meals and basic items in central squares.
- Monitoring drug addicts and migrants.
- Public reports of violence against the homeless population.
- Partnerships with entities such as Cruz Vermelha for humanitarian actions.
Official position of Arquidiocese of São Paulo
Arquidiocese of São Paulo classified the issue as an internal matter for Igreja. In statements, he emphasized that decisions between the archbishop and priests are made directly, without public details. Assessoria reinforced that the guidance is aimed at the good of the priest, in a context of protection.
Dom Odilo Scherer, who will soon turn 76 and is scheduled to retire in 2026, did not detail specific reasons. Observadores insiders interpret the measure as a way to protect Lancellotti from escalating digital hostilities.
Demonstrations of support for the priest
More than 40 organizations that work with the homeless population sent a letter to Cardinal Dom Odilo Scherer asking for a review of the decision. The document highlights the social impact of suspending broadcasts and posts. The entities plan a collective presence at Sunday Mass to demonstrate public solidarity.
Left-wing politicians expressed support for the priest, recognizing his history of defending the vulnerable. Deputados and councilors highlighted the importance of their voice in the debate on extreme poverty in the capital. Fiéis commented on archdiocese networks questioning the restriction.
Trajectory from Júlio Lancellotti to Mooca
The priest has served in the ministry at Paróquia São Miguel Arcanjo since the 1980s, totaling around 40 years of local activity. The parish community maintains regular in-person masses, with no changes to the calendar. Projetos as conversation circles and cultural activities continue in the neighborhood.
Lancellotti graduated in pedagogy and theology, with previous experience as a teacher. Sua ordination took place in 1985, and since then he has dedicated himself to urban pastoral care. The parish serves as a base for actions that reach thousands of people annually.
Context of use of social networks by religious people
Other Catholic priests maintain active profiles with millions of followers, including conservative figures. Dom Odilo Scherer himself has an account on Instagram with tens of thousands of followers. The restriction applied to Lancellotti is specific, without extension to other members of the clergy.
Digital platforms have amplified the reach of Lancellotti’s work, allowing for complaints and mobilizations. Transmissões of masses reached thousands of weekly views. The temporary suspension changes this dynamic of direct communication with distant believers.
Perspectives on the archdiocesan decision
Entities signatory to the letter emphasize that the measure affects solidarity networks expanded by the priest’s posts. Voluntários report that the publications facilitated donations and engagement. The archdiocese reiterates the internal nature of the guidance, with no provision for additional disclosure.
Father Lancellotti reaffirmed his loyalty to the institution in recent communications. The situation remains under evaluation, with a focus on temporary collection. Atividades face-to-face meetings in the parish and pastoral care remain unchanged.
