La- and Pr-modified BiFeO3 ceramics was investigated by synthesizing coprecipitation powders and sintering at 850 degrees C for 3 h under protective atmosphere provided by powders of the same composition. The sintered ceramics contain single perovskite phase. The ceramics are of high density, about 95% theoretical. La and Pr modification increases dielectric constants of BiFeO3 ceramics from 49 to 120 and 92, respectively. Both La and Pr lower the resistivities but enhance the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties of the BiFeO3 ceramics. La is prominent in enhancing ferroelectric properties, while Pr is remarkable in enhancing the ferromagnetic properties of BiFeO3 ceramics. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.