The article explains the Vatican's secretive process for appointing a new Archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil, ahead of the retirement of the current archbishop in 2026.
The Archbishop of Aparecida, Dom Orlando Brandes, is set to retire in 2026 when he turns 80 years old, prompting the need for a successor. The process for selecting the new Archbishop falls under the authority of Pope Leo XIV and follows a discreet protocol managed by the Vatican. Dom Orlando has served for a decade and leads the community surrounding the Santuário Nacional, the largest Marian shrine and church in Brazil, which attracts millions of devotees annually.
According to Canon Law, bishops are traditionally expected to submit their resignation to the Pope at the age of 75. However, in an exceptional decision, Pope Francis extended Dom Orlando's tenure beyond this typical retirement age with a letter sent in 2023. This extension highlights the significance of the Archbishop's leadership in Aparecida and the strategic timing of selecting a successor with respect to the local and national Catholic community.
The impending transition in Aparecida is not isolated, as other cities in Brazil will also participate in the selection process, signaling an important moment in the Brazilian Catholic Church's leadership. The new Archbishop's appointment will not only affect Aparecida but also have wider implications for the Catholic community in Brazil, reflecting the ongoing influence of the Vatican's decision-making processes in shaping religious leadership.
