This thesis is an analysis of the major reform in the decoration of the Belém of Pará See Cathedral that happened between the years 1867 and 1892, during the bishopric of Don Antônio de Macedo Costa. The purpose is to discuss the strong relationship between the ultramontane and romanizing cultural policy that was managed by the Roman Curia, and which was ultimately destined to propagate itself through the whole world in response to the secularization of society. If Catholicism observes the model centered on the eternal city, the decoration of the ecclesiastical buildings is inspired in its most famous temples. In the second half of the century XIX, Rome plays the role of the world capital of Christianity and the sacred arts. Inspired by the ambitious iconographic program of Pope Pius X, the bishop would adopt the sacred themes defined by him. The message was clear. Purify worship and the arts would be part of the broader reform process of the clergy, and Catholic culture throughout the world. Faced with the loss of influence in society due to secularization movements, the Roman Curia made a great effort to keep intact its role as the sole moral and religious authority. The effect of this policy was the placement of Church and State in opposing camps. In Brasil, the ultramontane clergy often faced against civil and secular authorities. Through this all, the Belém Cathedral presented a decorative cycle connected with the romanizing project of Dom Macedo Costa. As a result, Amazonia closened its ties with Italian culture, updating the regional art scene in fruitiful dialogue with the international aesthetic movements. A renewed art was produced- this is true- but it was in the service of Romanized religion.
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