Divaldo Pereira Franco Death ad Obituary – Divaldo Pereira Franco, the renowned Brazilian spiritist speaker and medium, passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 98 in Salvador, Bahia. His death followed a courageous battle with bladder cancer, which he had been fighting since November 2024. Franco’s passing marks the end of a life dedicated to the spread of Spiritism, philanthropy, and mediumship, leaving behind an indelible legacy.
Born on May 5, 1927, in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Franco exhibited signs of mediumship from an early age. Though initially misunderstood by his family—who considered his abilities to be demonic—Franco’s profound connection to the spiritual realm became undeniable. At just 12 years old, he claimed to see the spirit of his deceased grandmother, an event that helped convince his mother of his abilities. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, including the tragic suicide of his sister Nair in 1939 and the painful experience of witnessing her spirit in torment, Franco’s faith in the spirit world and his calling to become a medium grew stronger.
Franco’s transformative journey took a pivotal turn in 1945 when he was introduced to the Spiritist doctrine after being miraculously cured from paralysis by a medium. Recognizing his strong potential as a medium, Franco moved to Salvador, where he began his work in earnest. In 1952, he founded the Mansão do Caminho (Mansion of the Way), a charitable institution in Salvador dedicated to the welfare of children and the underprivileged. The Mansão do Caminho has since served as a sanctuary, offering housing, education, and spiritual support to thousands of people, many of whom consider Franco their spiritual father. His selfless work through this organization has earned him the affectionate nickname “the Paul of Tarsus of Spiritism” due to his tireless efforts in spreading the doctrine.
Franco’s contributions to the Spiritist movement extended far beyond his humanitarian work. He is best known for his prolific output of psychographed works, many of which were allegedly authored by the spirit of Joanna de Ângelis, a spiritual entity whom Franco believed to be a former historical figure. In total, Franco wrote more than 250 books, touching on a wide array of topics, including philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, and spirituality. His books were not only instrumental in promoting Spiritism but also reached a global audience, further establishing his role as a prominent figure in the movement.
Despite his success, Franco’s views were not without controversy. He faced criticism from certain sectors of the Spiritist community for his outspoken political opinions and for his stance on issues such as gender ideology, which he described as a “social hallucination” created by cultural Marxism. His critics argued that these opinions contradicted the inclusive nature of Spiritism, while his supporters defended his right to express his personal views.
In recognition of his life’s work, Franco was awarded the prestigious Order of Rio Branco in 2022. His legacy was also honored in the 2019 Brazilian biographical film Divaldo: O Mensageiro da Paz, where actors Bruno Garcia and Ghilherme Lobo portrayed his life and message of peace.
Franco’s death has left a profound void in the Spiritist community and in the hearts of those who were touched by his messages of love, compassion, and spiritual growth. His influence, however, will undoubtedly continue through his books, his charitable works, and the countless lives he changed. Divaldo Pereira Franco’s passing is a moment of mourning for many, but his teachings will remain an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
