Dom Hélder Câmara

Dom Hélder Câmara (1909-1999) was a Brazilian Roman Catholic Archbishop known for his staunch advocacy for social justice and human rights. Born on February 7, 1909, in Fortaleza, Brazil, Câmara joined the priesthood at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for his insightful and compassionate approach to ministry. In 1952, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Rio de Janeiro, where he focused on alleviating the plight of the poor living in favelas (slums).

In 1964, Câmara became the Archbishop of Olinda and Recife in the northeast of Brazil, a region plagued by severe poverty and inequality. Here, he earned the moniker "Bishop of the Slums" for his unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the marginalized. His advocacy extended to global platforms, where he criticized both dictatorship and capitalism, calling for a more just and equitable social order. His famous phrase, "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist," encapsulates his activism.

Câmara's outspoken stance often put him at odds with both church authorities and the Brazilian military regime, but he remained an influential figure until his retirement in 1985. He passed away on August 27, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and relentless pursuit of social justice.