João Figueiredo

Discovered by fishermen in 1717, transcends purely theological boundaries.

Recognized as Brazil's patron saint by Pope Pius XI in 1930 and codified into federal law with a national holiday on October 12 by President João Figueiredo in 1980, the Black Madonna represents a cornerstone of popular culture, deeply embedded in samba parades, football culture, and Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions.

As the online controversy threatened to destabilize the final days of campaigning, Brazil's legal institutions stepped in to manage the fallout.

Conflicting rulings regarding whether to censor social media posts led the Superior Electoral Court to review decisions and establish clear guidelines on electoral misinformation regarding religious symbols.