Father Morais was shot after attending a celebration in the city of Sao Luis do Curu, 48 miles from Fortaleza.
His body was discovered in that same city, with a bullet that penetrated the priest’s back and went through his heart.
The case is being investigated by the local authorities. According to the police, there are no suspects yet.
The Archdiocese of Fortaleza stated in a note that Father Morais, who was ordained priest in 1995, was «known for his simplicity.»
It added that he stood out for «his priestly commitment, his dynamism and his creativity.»
The priest’s body was kept overnight in the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and buried on Tuesday morning.
