Israel Pinheiro Square, Square in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Israel Pinheiro Square, also known as Praca do Papa, is a public square in the Mangabeiras district of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It sits at the foot of the Serra do Curral, at an elevation of over 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), at the end of Avenida Agulhas Negras.

The square was originally named after the politician Israel Pinheiro. In 1980, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here before a crowd estimated at two million people, and the square was later renamed Praca do Papa in honor of the event.

Locals often gather here to stroll and enjoy the view, and the square is a common meeting point for residents of Belo Horizonte and nearby towns. The name Praca do Papa comes from the visit of Pope John Paul II, and a monument now stands where the altar was built for his mass.

The square is open to all and serves as a starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as Parque das Mangabeiras and Rua do Amendoim. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground and bring water, as the high elevation can make the sun feel stronger.

The square sits at an elevation of over 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), which makes the air noticeably cooler than in the lower parts of the city. On clear days, the view of the Serra do Curral and the surrounding neighborhoods is a reward in itself.