The Brazilian government has decided to return to Paraguay the historic cannon "El Cristiano", one of the most emblematic pieces from the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870), which has remained as a trophy in the National Historical Museum of Rio de Janeiro for over 150 years. The information was initially reported by the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, in a story by journalist Bela Megale.
According to the publication, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave his political approval for the restitution in late July, during a meeting with Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro and the commanders of the Brazilian Armed Forces. The decision represents a significant advance in a long-standing Paraguayan request, but the actual transfer still depends on bureaucratic, technical, and diplomatic procedures that will be handled by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The cannon, an artillery piece weighing approximately 12 tons, was cast in Ybycuí using bronze from church bells donated by the Paraguayan population for national defense, which is the origin of its name. It was captured by Brazilian troops after the fall of the Humaitá fortress in 1868 and has since been part of the Brazilian collection.
The resumption of talks for the return occurred in a context of diplomatic tension. In late July, statements by President Lula about the war, in which he said that "one fine day Paraguay decided to invade Brazil", prompted a strong official reaction in Asunción. In the wake of the controversy, Paraguayan Vice President Pedro Alliana and the National Congress publicly renewed the request for the repatriation of "El Cristiano" and other historical documents.
So far, however, the Paraguayan government has stated it has not received any formal notification from Brazil regarding the decision to return the cannon. The piece is considered protected historical heritage in Brazil, a factor that in past negotiations has always represented a legal obstacle to its restitution.