Lula mourns the death of Friar Sérgio Görgen and recalls the support he received in Curitiba.
The president highlighted the trajectory of the Franciscan friar, marked by social struggle, defense of family farming, and visits during his imprisonment in Curitiba.
247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva lamented on Tuesday (3) the death of Friar Sérgio Görgen, a Franciscan friar recognized for his activism in social and environmental causes. In an official statement, the head of the Executive highlighted the religious figure's trajectory, which he described as exemplary, marked by personal sacrifices and the defense of the rights of family farming workers.
Lula also recalled the period when he was imprisoned in Curitiba, in the context of Operation Lava Jato, when he received frequent visits from the friar.
In the message, the president highlighted Friar Sérgio's role as emotional and spiritual support during his imprisonment, which Lula again described as unjust. According to him, the friar's presence was fundamental in facing that difficult moment. The president stated that the religious figure helped him to "get through the difficult moments with strength and hope" experienced in prison.
In recalling the public work of Friar Sérgio Görgen, Lula emphasized the religious figure's dedication to social struggles, especially in rural areas. The president cited the hunger strikes carried out by the friar as a form of mobilization in defense of the rights of family farm workers and vulnerable populations.
In the same vein, Lula highlighted the ethical and spiritual dimension of the friar's life. "Friar Sérgio dedicated his life to fulfilling Christ's teaching: 'Give food to those who are hungry.' He fought for the nourishment of both body and soul," the president stated.
In addition to his religious work, Friar Sérgio Görgen also had a stint in institutional politics. He was a state representative for the Workers' Party in Rio Grande do Sul between 2002 and 2006. Throughout his career, he also worked to strengthen social organizations linked to rural areas, such as the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) and the Small Farmers Movement (MPA).
Recognized for his advocacy of agroecology and his work with vulnerable communities, Friar Sérgio built a career marked by social engagement and direct action in favor of the poorest, leaving a legacy that was highlighted by the President of the Republic when lamenting his death.
