Brazil says body is that of ballooning priest

He disappeared in April after being lofted into sky by helium-filled balloons

	Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli, center, prepares for a balloon flight in Parana state, Brazil, in this Jan. 13, 2008 file photo. Brazilian authorities said the body found this month off the coast of Rio de Janeiro belongs to the ballooning priest, who disappeared April 20, 2008 after departing on a balloon flight.
AP file

Americas video

Most popular

• Most viewed

• Top rated

• Most e-mailed

Brazil student expelled after wearing mini-dress

Obama: It’s now Senate’s turn on health care

State of emergency in Louisiana ahead of Ida

16 Apple products we can only dream about

Some predicted trouble from Fort Hood suspect

Most viewed on msnbc.com

updated 7:39 p.m. ET July 29, 2008

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Authorities said DNA from a body found earlier this month off Brazil's coast matches a priest who disappeared while flying over the Atlantic attached to hundreds of brightly colored party balloons.

Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli set off from the Brazilian port city of Paranagua on April 20 strapped to 1,000 helium-filled balloons in an attempt to raise money to build a rest stop and worship center for truckers.

The 41-year-old Roman Catholic priest disappeared and the balloons were found in the water a day later. Tugboat workers found a body in early July that authorities believed belonged to the priest.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Medical examiner worker Rosane Alves on Tuesday said that DNA tests had confirmed the body was de Carli.