Among the highlights of the program are exhibitions, musical performances, seminars, book launch and digital platform

The bicentenary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the Holy See, the central authority of the Catholic Church based in Vatican City, will be celebrated in January 2026. The recognition of Brazil’s independence by the Holy See was one of the first that the State received Brazilian, so that the history of the bilateral relationship permeates the history of independent Brazil itself.

Over these 200 years, Brazil, which is home to the largest Catholic population in the world, has been visited by five popes and hosted events of great relevance to the Church, such as World Youth Day in 2013. The legacy of the Catholic Church in the country goes far beyond the religious aspect, being observed in the fields of education, health, art and historical heritage.

To celebrate this solid and continuous exchange between Brazil and the Holy See, an extensive cultural program will be held in Rome from 2025 onwards. The project, developed by APPA – Cultura & Patrimônio, in partnership with the Brazilian Embassy at the Holy See and the Brazilian Embassy in Rome, was officially presented by Xavier Vieira, president of APPA, and Agostinho Neves, vice-president of the association .

The objective is to expand the cultural activities of embassies, promoting Brazilian art and culture abroad, in addition to discussing topics such as social and environmental responsibility, accessibility and inclusion, themes that are central to the Brazilian government and which also dialogue with the priorities of the pontificate of the Pope Francis.

The activities will begin in the first half of 2025, during the celebrations of the Jubilee Year, the first of the third millennium, whose theme will be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, defined by Pope Francis as ‘a gift of grace’ to be experienced through pilgrimages , indulgences and testimonies of faith. During the Holy Year, the Catholic Church expects to receive around 35 million more tourists than the 50 million who visit Rome annually.

The cultural program will include individual and collective exhibitions, seminars on sustainability, musical performances, as well as the launch of books and a commemorative stamp. Among the highlights are the first exhibition dedicated to Aleijadinho in Italy, exhibitions of big names in contemporary art, such as Jaider Esbell, Daiara Tukano, Denilson Baniwa, Walmor Corrêa, photographers such as Leonardo Finotti and young artists such as Rodrigo Cruz.

Publications are also planned about the work of Father Antônio Vieira and the Jesuit missions in Brazil, as well as an illustrated prayer book, created by illustrator Daniel Kondo.

On the musical side, performances of excerpts from the operas “Aleijadinho” and “Devoção” are scheduled, a concert by the Chiquinha Gonzaga Youth Orchestra, as well as performances by artists such as maestro Wagner Tiso, Ava Rocha, Ligiana Costa and organist Elisa Freixo. Also part of the activities is an unprecedented project that aims to organize and disseminate documents of public interest, such as the credential letters of Monsignor Francisco Corrêa Vidigal, who was chosen by the Brazilian Empire to obtain recognition of Independence by the Holy See, in 1826.

Regarding the relevance of the proposed initiatives and the bicentenary of diplomatic relations, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, highlighted ‘For us, this relationship is very important. Brazil is one of the most representative countries for the Catholic Church, also due to its territorial dimension. The history of these 200 years of relationship is enshrined in the concordat text that governs the bond between Brazil and the Holy See. It is a relationship of friendship, mutual respect and collaboration’.

For Everton Vieira Vargas, ambassador of Brazil, the celebration of the bicentenary will be a unique opportunity to deepen relations between Brazil and the Holy See, to promote Brazilian culture abroad and to rescue the historical and religious legacy of the bilateral relationship.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and establish partnerships that could go beyond the anniversary, with gains for Brazil and the Holy See in the areas of culture, education and history”, he highlighted.

This is APPA’s first performance in partnership with the Brazilian Embassy at the Holy See and the second with the Brazilian Embassy in Rome – in 2010, APPA was a partner with the Embassy at the Brazilian Art and Culture Festival in Italy. “Our intention is to develop a strong and ongoing partnership with the Brazilian Embassy in Rome, the Holy See, the Guimarães Rosa Institute (cultural arm of Itamaraty) to promote cultural actions, opening new paths for Brazilian art”, added Vieira. The project will be carried out via the Federal Culture Incentive Law and is in the fundraising phase.