Aparecida controversy and questions for the news director

The Folha de S.Paulo ombudsman addressed reader criticism of the newspaper's coverage of the Our Lady of Aparecida controversy, questioning its use of "fake news" labels and its editorial stance on the 2026 elections. The episode, which occurred over a week ago, was overshadowed by debate polemics but left unresolved questions. Readers complained the paper called the case false while also reporting on real movements to remove the saint as Brazil's patron, including a 2007 bill and supporters near Jair Bolsonaro. The Folha's news director, Sérgio Dávila, defended the coverage, stating the paper only labeled as false the claim that Flávio Bolsonaro defended removing the title, which did not happen. Dávila also answered election questions, explaining the paper did not adopt its 2022 "in defense of democracy" slogan because the current president is committed to democracy. He denied any preference for Flávio Bolsonaro or Tarcísio de Freitas, citing critical headlines, and addressed perceptions of favoritism regarding scoops on the Master and Dark Horse cases.