Pope calls Father Júlio Lancellotti, from the Pastoral do Povo da Rua, and asks him not to get discouraged and stay with the poor | Saint Paul

According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese of São Paulo, the Pope called Father Júlio at 2:15 p.m. and wanted to know what difficulties the pastoral is going through.

The Pope asked that the priest, even in the face of all difficulties, not “get discouraged” and stay with the poor (read full note below).

This year, Father Júlio was threatened at least twice. In January, police officers reportedly told three homeless youths that “Father Julio Lancelotti’s time is approaching” in Belenzinho, the eastern part of the city. The Corregedoria of the Military Police investigates the complaint and the Public Defender of the Union “expressed concern about the personal integrity and freedom of expression of the priest.”

In September, Father Júlio registered a police report for a threat after a motorcyclist cursed him while doing his homework in the city center.

Lancellotti claims to be the target of a smear campaign of the state deputy and candidate for the São Paulo City Council Arthur do Val (Patriota), known by the nickname Mamãe Falei. The politician denies the threats.

On the last day of day 1, the Electoral Court ordered the withdrawal of Arthur do Val’s publications on social networks in which he criticized Father Júlio. Known by the nickname of Mamãe Falei, the candidate published videos on his social networks in which he called the priest “a pimp of misery.”

“This Saturday, October 10, at 2:15 p.m., I received a call from His Holiness, Pope Francis, who spoke to me with all simplicity and closeness, asking about the population of the street, how is our relationship with the brothers the street, what are the difficulties, we feel.

The Pope said that he saw the photos we sent him and that he knows about the difficulties we go through, but that we must not be discouraged and always do like Jesus, being with the poorest.

He asked to convey to all homeless people his love and closeness and that everyone pray for him. Also pray for all of us.

Father Julio Lancellotti
Episcopal Vicar for the Street People
Archdiocese of São Paulo “.