Once known as Brazil’s most tattooed man, Leandro de Souza has completely changed his life. The 36-year-old from Rio Grande do Sul was once covered in tattoos from head to toe — about 95% of his body inked with over 170 designs. But after finding faith, he’s now removing nearly all of them.

“I didn’t feel good anymore. It didn’t fit me,” Souza told O Globo. “It was a life of extremes, and I realized I didn’t want that anymore.” He began tattooing at 13 and later became obsessed with body modification. His look made it hard to find work, and at one point he lived in a shelter.

Two years ago, he discovered Christianity, which changed everything. “At one point, I felt like I had become a circus attraction,” he said. Now, he sees his body differently — as something meant to reflect his new beliefs.

Souza is undergoing painful laser removals, saying, “It hurts a lot — no matter how much anesthesia they use.” Hello Tattoo Studio, which is helping him for free, shared, “Tattoos don’t define character… Real transformation comes from choices, effort, and determination.”

Souza hopes to rebuild his life, find stable work, and care for his family. “Think carefully before tattooing your face,” he warned. “Now, I just want to live with purpose — and in peace.”