NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      RIO DE JANEIRO (CWNews.com) - The brutal murder of a young Brazilian priest has shaken Rio de Janeiro, where the priest was regarded as a champion against drug trafficking and drug consumption. Last Monday, the police found Father Oto Campos Braga, 39, dead inside his car, after he was reported missing late on Sunday.

      Police spokesmen said the priest was repeatedly beaten with stones and sticks and his car was set on fire. Father Braga was attacked on Sunday evening after celebrating a Mass in a slum in Rio.

      Ordained ten years ago, Father Braga was involved in the recovery of drug addicts in his parish of Santo Antonio de Guarus, in the diocese of Campos. His Bishop, Roberto Guimaraes, of Campos, said: "He was a very good man, a devoted pastor and beloved by his people." But, Bishop Guimaraes added that the priest was well known for his strong stance against "some economic interests." In fact, Father Braga stopped a group of vendors from controlling a local religious feast. He also was a strong critic of drug traffickers in the area. The police believe that a local gang of drug traffickers murdered the priest, but investigations are still ongoing.