Frei Betto

Carlos Alberto Libânio Christo OP, better known as Frei Betto, is a Brazilian writer and political activist. Frei Betto was an important actor in one of President Lula da Silva’s key programs during his first term – ‘Fome Zero’ or ‘Zero Hunger’. Actively involved in Brazilian politics, he was considered President Lula da Silva’s spiritual advisor and mentor. His work as a liberation theologian means that he has been involved in various international efforts in order to support an understanding between Marxism and Christianity – engaging in conversations on Christianity with Fidel Castro in an effort to bridge the gap of understanding between the Castro government and the Cuban Catholic church. Frei Betto also became internationally known for his dialogues with Fidel Castro, published in the book Fidel and Religion, which explored the relationship between Christianity and socialism. Over his career, he has authored more than 50 books spanning theology, politics, memoir, fiction, and social commentary.