Death of Archbishop Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns

I have received with sadness the news of the passing away of Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo, my friend Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns. At this moment of grief, I convey to his family and to all the population of São Paulo, whom he has loved dearly and for which he has done so much, my deepest feelings.

Dom Paulo is an example for those who believe in social justice and in the improvement of living conditions of the population. He dedicated his priesthood to the defense of human rights, especially for the poorest.

At head of the Archdiocese of São Paulo between 1970 and 1998, he actively worked for the return of democracy in our country. Created by him, the Brazilian Justice and Peace Commission of São Paulo played a fundamental role in the fight against torture during the military regime. Together with his sister Zilda Arns, he established the Children's Pastoral, organization that until now works incessantly for the well-being of children, especially the most humble ones.

São Paulo and Brazil have lost a giant; I have lost a friend and counselor.

José Serra
Minister of Foreign Affairs