Former Rio de Janeiro archbishop who sheltered thousands fleeing dictatorships dies at age 91

[Judi Lynn]

Former Rio de Janeiro archbishop who sheltered thousands fleeing dictatorships dies at age 91
By Associated Press, Published: July 10

RIO DE JANEIRO — Rio de Janeiro’s former archbishop who provided shelter to thousands of people opposed to the military regimes that once ruled Brazil, Argentina and Chile has died at age 91.

The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro said Tuesday on its website that Eugenio de Araujo Sales died of a heart attack in his sleep late Monday.

~snip~
One year earlier, he told the O Globo newspaper that from 1976-1982 he provided shelter to close to 5,000 Brazilian opponents of Brazil’s 1964-1985 military regime and political refugees fleeing the dictatorships of Argentina and Chile.

He said at the time that those he helped were either put up in 80 apartments rented by the archdiocese or received help to travel to other counties, mostly in Europe.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/former-archbishop-of-rio-de-janeiro-dies-of-a-heart-attack/2012/07/10/gJQAViRraW_story.html

[ocpagu]

1. He was a very special man and helped saving many, many lives.

Though he opposed the liberation theology and the catholic left-wing, he had strong moral principles. And he has never been afraid of confronting the military, as he did when he refused to celebrate the mass in comemoration of the Institutional Act Number Five, or calling General Sílvio Frota to assume the responsibility for sheltering "communists" in the Palácio São Joaquim.

He will be missed.

[Judi Lynn]

2. He risked his life over and over again. Thank you for your info, and the great photo. n/t