The conclave is the process by which the cardinals of the Catholic Church gather to choose the new Pope when the papal thirst becomes vague.
Currently, Brazil has eight cardinals that can participate in this election and have a chance of being chosen as pontiffs.
Brazilian cardinals in the conclave: who are they?
1. Dom Odilo Scherer – Archdiocese of São Paulo (SP)
Dom Odilo Scherer, Archbishop of São Paulo, is one of the most influential cardinals in Brazil. Named Cardinal Por Bento XVI in 2007, he has extensive pastoral and administrative experience.
In addition, it is a key figure in the interreligious dialogue and social issues of the Church in Brazil, which puts it as a possible leadership in the conclave.
2. Dom Orani João Tempesta – Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Continues after advertising
Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro since 2009, Dom Orani João Tempesta was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014.
He has stood out for his pastoral work, especially in major religious celebrations and in the organization of the World Youth Day. His performance in social issues also makes him a figure of relevance to the conclave.
3. Dom Paulo Cezar Costa – Archdiocese of Brasilia (DF)
Continues after advertising
Dom Paulo Cezar Costa, Archbishop of Brasilia since 2019, was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.
His performance in the Archdiocese of Brasilia and his active presence in the religious and social issues of Brazil put him as one of the most important voices among Brazilian cardinals.
4. Dom Leonardo Ulrich Steiner – Archdiocese of Manaus (AM)
Continues after advertising
Archbishop of Manaus, Dom Leonardo Ulrich Steiner was appointed cardinal in 2022.
He is especially recognized for his work on the Evangelizing Mission of the Amazon and his defense of environmental and social issues in the region, characteristics that can be valued in the conclave.
5. Dom Sergio da Rocha – Archdiocese of Salvador (BA)
Continues after advertising
Dom Sergio da Rocha, Archbishop of Salvador and Cardinal since 2016, has a long trajectory of pastoral service, especially the defense of the poor and marginalized.
6. Dom Jaime Spengler – Archdiocese of Porto Alegre (RS)
Named Cardinal in 2016, Archbishop Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre, has stood out for his work with the communities and his commitment to the renewal of the Church. He has also been actively involved in the social and political issues of the southern region of Brazil.
Continues after advertising
7. Dom Raymundo Damasceno Assis – Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Aparecida (SP)
Dom Raymundo Damasceno Assis, Cardinal Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Aparecida, is a great figure in the Brazilian Church.
His vast pastoral experience and his contribution to the Brazilian episcopate make him a reference in the ecclesial context of Brazil.
Dom João Braz de Aviz – Emeritus of Brasilia (DF)
Cardinal Emeritus of Brasilia, Dom João Braz de Aviz was appointed Cardinal by John Paul II in 2001 and has stood out at work with religious vocations. His international experience and his role in the congregation for consecrated life institutes are aspects that can influence their participation in the conclave.
How does the conclave work?
The conclave is summoned whenever the papal thirst is vacant, either by the Pope’s death or renunciation. Only cardinals under 80 can vote for the election of the new pontiff. During the conclave, the cardinals isolate themselves in the Vatican to deliberate, in order to choose the next Pope. The process occurs in total confidentiality, ensuring the confidentiality of the vote.
The cardinals make several votes, and for a candidate to be elected Pope, two thirds of the votes are required. If no cardinal reaches this brand, the options are reduced until a consensus is reached. When the election is completed, the white smoke that comes out of the chimney of the Sistine chapel announces that the new Pope was chosen.
