Popular priest online is target of PF operation on 8/1

The operation launched by the Federal Police (PF) this Thursday (8) as part of the investigation into the 8th of January had as one of its targets the priest José Eduardo de Oliveira e Silva, who works in the diocese of Osasco, in Greater São Paulo, and was the target of search and seizure. The religious man is known in Brazilian Catholic circles mainly for his videos about Christian doctrine on Instagram, a network where he has 289 thousand followers.

The PF’s action targets suspects involved in an alleged coup d’état planning in Brazil, including former president Jair Bolsonaro, military personnel, advisors and allies.

In the decision by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the priest is mentioned as part of the “legal core” of the alleged coup scheme. This group would be responsible for “advising and preparing draft decrees”, according to the document.

Reports present in the investigation say that, on November 19, 2022, Father José Eduardo participated in a meeting with Filipe Martins and Amauri Feres Saad at Palácio do Planalto to discuss the alleged coup plan. Martins, former special advisor to Bolsonaro, was arrested this Thursday in Paraná. Saad, a lawyer, is being identified as the author of the “coup draft” that motivated the operation.

The STF determined that the priest will not be able to maintain contact with the other people under investigation nor leave the country, and must hand over all his passports within 24 hours.

On social media, the priest’s admirers asked for prayers for him and criticized the actions of the STF and the police. “This is nothing more than judicial terrorism! The objective is to frighten the Clergy, so that they do not place the Commandments of God above the state. Let us pray for Father José Eduardo, who is going through this great tribulation”, said an X user.

Also on behalf of Of course he won’t have the staunch defense like that other protected priest on the left.”

Some detractors of Father José Eduardo celebrated the news about the operation and published insults against the priest. Journalist Chico Pinheiro, for example, stated that he has “fascist publications” and worked “for Bolsonaro’s military coup.” “Shame on the Church!” he said.

Priest defends respect for the Constitution and says he has always acted within the limits of the priesthood

In a clarification note published this Thursday, the priest states that he did not cooperate with any act disrupting the Constitution. “My position on the matter is clear and unequivocal: the Republic is secular and governed by constitutional precepts, which must be respected. Breaking with the established order would be profoundly contrary to my principles”, he says.

The priest emphasizes that he has always had “his life focused on serving the general public” and that, since his ordination, his activity “has always been carried out within the limits established for the exercise of the priesthood”.

“I am called to provide spiritual assistance not only to those who attend my parish, but also to all those from elsewhere who spontaneously come to me with matters of the most varied themes. As is my duty, I preserve the privacy of all of them, since the dilemmas that I face presented are always internal”, he states.

Check out Father José Eduardo’s clarification note in full:

Clarification Note

To reassure the faithful, friends and the general public, who expressed concern about the news broadcast on the national news, indicating that there had been a search and seizure at my residence, I come forward to clarify what follows.

First of all, I would like to thank you for your many expressions of affection and concern, especially for your prayers.

On the morning of February 8th, I received a visit from Federal Police agents at the Church where I live and celebrate Holy Mass daily, presenting me with a warrant to search and seize my passport, cell phone and computer; this mandate was issued in the investigations of the “investigation into anti-democratic acts”.

I clarify that the police officers were extremely respectful and technical, explaining to me that they were following orders. I thank the Federal Police for the respect and decorum with which they treated me and my belongings.

As everyone knows, I am a priest and university professor, I dedicate my life to the exercise of the priesthood and teaching, especially in the areas of philosophy and theology, in which I have a doctorate.

As a Catholic priest, my life is focused on serving the general public. I am the parish priest of a small church on the outskirts of São Paulo, in the city of Osasco, and, on February 4th, I completed 18 years of priestly ministry.

Since my ordination, my ministerial activity has always been carried out within the limits established for the exercise of the priesthood: administration of the sacraments, preaching, attending confessions and spiritual direction, prayer and blessing for those who need help.

As a Catholic priest, I serve many people. I am called for spiritual assistance not only from those who attend my parish, but also from all those who spontaneously come to me with matters of the most varied topics. As is my duty, I preserve the privacy of all of them, since the dilemmas they present to me are always internal.

In relation to the aforementioned “inquiry into undemocratic acts”, my position on the matter is clear and unequivocal: the Republic is secular and governed by constitutional precepts, which must be respected. Breaking with the established order would be deeply contrary to my principles. Below God, in our country, is the Federal Constitution. Therefore, I did not cooperate or endorse any act disrupting the Constitution. As a professor of moral theology, I have always taught that the positive law must be obeyed by the faithful, among whom I humbly include myself.

I am entirely at the disposal of the Brazilian justice system for any possible clarification, remembering the duty of the entire society to combat any type of religious intolerance.

The only mission in my life is my priestly work. Therefore, I need a “handler” who will make me understand the legal steps arising from this unusual and unexpected situation and who will help me respond accurately to the requests of the Judiciary.

Therefore, my “treater” is Dr. Miguel da Costa Carvalho Vidigal, a lawyer, who will be able to provide legal answers relevant to the matter. We have not yet obtained access to the files, which we hope to obtain in the coming days.

As a priest, I intend to continue my religious service, therefore, any and all communication on the matter can be directed directly to my “treater”.

I hope everything is clarified as soon as possible. I am praying, especially for Brazilian justice, so that God will always guide us. May He bless you all!

Father José Eduardo de Oliveira e Silva

Osasco, February 8, 2024, the day of Saint Josephine Bakhkita, patron saint of slaves and intercessor of those kidnapped.