Political struggle, religiosity, human rights, and health: an interview with Júlio Renato Lancellotti

Abstract Júlio Renato Lancellotti is one of the greatest Brazilian references in the fight for human rights and, in particular, for the rights of homeless people. He is an educator and catholic priest, and he develops, along with social movements, practices of reception, education, health, and defense of homeless people’s rights in the city of São Paulo. In this interview, Father Júlio talks about his career, which spanned over 40 years, working with "marginalized groups" marked by conflictual contexts; he highlights the lessons learned and the contradictions that permeate this reality, while new issues and struggles emerge; he also denounces the scenario of real estate speculation in the city and its impacts on the entire population. Due to his political stance, Father Júlio is constantly subjected to numerous threats, but nothing stops him from continuing hand in hand with his brothers, fighting for their rights, calling for love and the recognition of all humanity.