On Ash Wednesday, February 18, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) announced the Fraternity Campaign for 2026, with a focus on the critical housing crisis affecting the country. The campaign, themed "fraternity and housing" and inspired by the biblical phrase "He came to dwell among us" (John 1:14), calls upon the Catholic Church and society to recognize housing as a fundamental right and a concrete expression of human dignity. The initiative underscores the importance of affordable housing in ensuring a respectful and dignified life for all individuals.

The campaign's unveiling took place at CNBB's headquarters in Brasília, where Father Jean Poul, the entity's executive secretary for campaigns, read a message from Pope Leo XIII for Lent. In his message, Pope Leo emphasized the longstanding tradition of the Fraternity Campaign, which has lasted over 60 years, illustrating the Catholic Church's commitment to social justice, particularly for the impoverished communities in Brazil. He referred to the poorest as "the true recipients of our preferential love," highlighting the Church's duty to support those most in need.

Additionally, the Pope expressed hopes that the initiatives stemming from the Fraternity Campaign would inspire government authorities to implement public policies that effectively address the housing crisis. This campaign represents an intersection of faith, social responsibility, and advocacy, aiming to mobilize public consciousness about housing rights in Brazil and encouraging collective action to create lasting change for those affected by the housing shortages recently exacerbated by economic challenges.