Father Leonardo Oliveira, a 27-year-old priest at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady Aparecida in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, has taken on the role of creating samba-enredo songs for samba schools across Brazil. This marks his second year as a priest and his third year of active involvement in Carnival. His love for Carnival ignited in his youth while watching parades on television, appreciating particularly the critical aspects of many samba themes.

Leonardo's journey into samba composition is a natural extension of his musical background, as he previously wrote songs for church services and liturgical use. His willingness to explore samba composition reflects his innovative spirit, embracing the unique blend of his religious duties and cultural expression. He sees Carnival not only as entertainment but also as a powerful platform for social critique and community engagement.

As he draws inspiration from both his faith and the vibrant culture surrounding Carnival, Father Leonardo exemplifies how religious figures can engage with secular traditions in meaningful ways. His work not only contributes to the artistic landscape of Brazil's Carnival but also fosters connection between different communities through the shared joy of music and celebration.