Hunger strike pays off.

CABROBO, BRAZIL -- A Brazilian bishop's hunger strike has delayed a $2 billion diversion of the Sao Francisco River, a project activists claim will damage the environment while benefiting wealthy landowners. Bishop Luiz Flavio Cappio of the Diocese of Barra began his fast on September 26, Reuters reports.

Thousands turned out to support Cappio's protest, but the government claims that the plan will provide water to 12 million people in Brazil's dry northeastern region. Some church leaders also criticized Cappio, including Archbishop Aldo Pagotto of the Brazilian state of Paraiba, who accused Cappio of "committing a sort of euthanasia."

Cappio's 11-day fast ended when Brazilian President Lula da Silva promised more public discussion of the project. Two days later, however, Brazil's O Globo newspaper published a letter from the Vatican Congregation for Bishops asking Cappio to end his protest.