Brazilian bishop says poor enticed by 'propaganda' of developed world

Published: 2003-11-18

ROME (CNS) -- Television, films and the Internet are filled with the "propaganda of developed countries" offering an easy, prosperous, always-happy life to everyone, a Brazilian bishop said. Whether the propaganda is intentional or not, said Bishop Jacyr Braido of Santos, it entices the poor "to seek for themselves and their families this dazzling world." At the Vatican-sponsored World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees Nov. 18, the bishop said, "No law will keep all of them from trying to reach the promised lands." The bishop and other speakers at the meeting said Catholic leaders in developing countries have an obligation to warn their people that emigrating does not guarantee an easy life and that the process, especially if done illegally, can put their lives in danger.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .