Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia


Stored: Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia


Diocese: Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia
Status: Active
Rite: Latin
Type: Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province: Province of São Salvador da Bahia
Suffragan Dioceses: Diocese of Alagoinhas, Diocese of Amargosa, Diocese of Camaçari, Diocese of Cruz das Almas, Diocese of Eunápolis, Diocese of Ilhéus, Diocese of Itabuna, Diocese of Teixeira de Freitas-Caravelas
Metropolitan Archdiocese:
Country: Brazil
Region: Bahia
Bishop: Sérgio da Rocha
Website: https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br
Newspaper: https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/revista-primaz
Catholic Percentage: 70.4%
Catholic Elementary Schools: 25
Catholic High Schools: 10
Deaneries: 12
Priests: 350
Existence: 1551–
Predecessor Diocese: Archdiocese of Funchal
Successor Diocese:
Catholic Hospitals: 3
Rating: 3.2

The Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia, a Latin Rite Archdiocese, is an active metropolitan see in Brazil, encompassing parts of Bahia state, including the city of Salvador. Established as a diocese on 25 February 1551 by Pope Julius III and elevated to an archdiocese in 1676, it is led by Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha as of 2020, holding the title of Primate of Brazil. As the head of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Salvador da Bahia, it oversees eight suffragan dioceses and is a cornerstone of Brazilian Catholicism. Notably, its Catedral Basílica Primacial do Santíssimo Salvador, a Jesuit-built cathedral from the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination.


Establishment

The Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia was established as a diocese on 25 February 1551 by Pope Julius III through the bull *Super specula militantis Ecclesiae*, carved from the Archdiocese of Funchal to serve the growing Catholic population in colonial Brazil. It was elevated to an archdiocese on 16 November 1676 by Pope Innocent XI via the bull *Inter Pastoralis Officii Curas*, becoming the primatial see of Brazil.[1][](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html)

History

Colonial Era

Founded in 1551, the diocese became the first Catholic see in Brazil, initially under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Lisbon. Its elevation to an archdiocese in 1676 established it as the metropolitan see for suffragan dioceses like Diocese of Olinda and Diocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. In 1707, Archbishop Sebastião Monteiro da Vide convened the first synod, producing the *Constituições Primeiras do Arcebispado da Bahia*, a key colonial religious document.[2][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia/)

19th and 20th Centuries

Until 1892, the archdiocese was the largest in the world by area, overseeing all Brazilian dioceses. It faced challenges post-independence with liberal reforms but remained influential under leaders like Cardinal Augusto Álvaro da Silva (1924–1968). Its territory was reduced over time as new dioceses were created.[3][](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquidiocese_de_S%25C3%25A3o_Salvador_da_Bahia)

Modern Era

In 2011, the archdiocese regained ownership of the Archbishop’s Palace from IPHAN, converting part into a cultural center. It continues to be a spiritual hub, with significant devotion to Saint Dulce of the Poor, canonized in 2019.[4][](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop%27s_Palace_of_Salvador)

Geography

The Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia spans five municipalities in Bahia:

  • Itaparica
  • Lauro de Freitas
  • Salinas da Margarida
  • Salvador
  • Vera Cruz

It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Archdiocese of Feira de Santana, and the dioceses of Amargosa, Cruz das Almas, and Camaçari. It is the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Salvador da Bahia.[5][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia/)

Mother Church

Catedral Basílica Primacial do Santíssimo Salvador in Salvador, a Jesuit-built structure from the 17th century, serves as the archdiocese’s mother church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been the primatial cathedral since 1765, replacing the now-ruined former cathedral.[6][](https://gcatholic.org/churches/brazil/0403.htm)

Leadership

Current Bishop

Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha has served as Archbishop since 11 March 2020. A former president of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference, he emphasizes social justice and evangelization.[7][](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html)

Auxiliary Bishops

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Juan de Zumárraga 1530–1548 First bishop; oversaw early evangelization.
Sebastião Monteiro da Vida, S.J. 1701–1722 Convened first synod; built Archbishop’s Palace.
Augusto Álvaro da Silva 1924–1968 Cardinal; strengthened diocesan institutions.
Geraldo Majella Agnelo 1999–2011 Cardinal; retired.

[10][](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html)

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese is balanced (rating: 3.2), offering Traditional Latin Masses monthly in 5–10% of parishes, emphasizing both pro-life teachings and social outreach like the Pastoral do Menor for youth, and led by a cardinal advocating for dialogue and community engagement.[11][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/)

Statistics

The archdiocese covers 1,320 square miles (3,419 km²), serves 2.5 million registered Catholics across 109 parishes, and has a total population of 3.5 million.[12][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia/)

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate educational programs and manage historical sites like the Catedral Basílica Primacial do Santíssimo Salvador. Address: Praça Terreiro de Jesus, 40020-210 Salvador, BA.[13] Jesuits

Sisters of Charity

The Sisters of Charity run healthcare and social services, including support for Saint Dulce of the Poor’s legacy. Address: Largo de Roma, 40301-110 Salvador, BA.[14] Sisters of Charity

Parishes

Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
Archdiocesan Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of the Beach (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Conceição da Praia, s/n, Comércio, Salvador, BA 40015-250
Basilica Shrine of the Lord Good Jesus of Bonfim (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo do Bonfim, s/n, Bonfim, Salvador, BA 40415-475
Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Savior (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Terreiro de Jesus, s/n, Centro Histórico, Salvador, BA 40026-010
Parish of Christ the Liberator, King of the Universe (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Dr. Antônio Oliveira, 66E, Vila Canária, Salvador, BA 41390-090
Parish of Christ the Redeemer (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Professor Fabio Arléo, s/n, Pituba, Salvador, BA 41830-560
Parish of Christ the Worker (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Estrada Velha do Aeroporto, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA 41510-200
Parish of Jesus Christ Risen (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua dos Araçás, 367, Plataforma, Salvador, BA 40717-490
Parish of Jesus of Nazareth (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Meio, s/n, Pau Miúdo, Salvador, BA 40350-450
Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA 41500-000
Parish of Our Lady Mother of the Church (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Mangueira, s/n, Jardim Cruzeiro, Salvador, BA 40450-000
Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua das Araras, 1210, Imbuí, Salvador, BA 41720-010
Parish of Our Lady of Brotas (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Dom João VI, s/n, Brotas, Salvador, BA 40285-000
Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Candelária, s/n, Itapuã, Salvador, BA 41610-000
Parish of Our Lady of Fátima (Acupe de Brotas) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Acupe, s/n, Acupe de Brotas, Salvador, BA 40290-000
Parish of Our Lady of Fátima (Stella Maris) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Oceânica, s/n, Stella Maris, Salvador, BA 41600-000
Parish of Our Lady of Good Voyage (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Praça Irmã Dulce, s/n, Boa Viagem, Salvador, BA 40410-455
Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Harmonia, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA 41510-000
Parish of Our Lady of Health and Glory (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Glória, s/n, Federação, Salvador, BA 40210-465
Parish of Our Lady of Hope (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Esperança, s/n, Nova Esperança, Salvador, BA 41215-090
Parish of Our Lady of Light (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo da Mariquita, s/n, Rio Vermelho, Salvador, BA 41940-380
Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Joana Angélica, s/n, Nazaré, Salvador, BA 40050-130
Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Sete de Abril) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Sete de Abril, Salvador, BA 41500-000
Parish of Our Lady of Nazareth (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Baluarte, s/n, Bonfim, Salvador, BA 40415-295
Parish of Our Lady of Peace (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Garibaldi, s/n, Ondina, Salvador, BA 40170-090
Parish of Our Lady of Penha of France (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo da Penha, s/n, Ribeira, Salvador, BA 40421-150
Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Mangueira, s/n, Jardim Cruzeiro, Salvador, BA 40450-000
Parish of Our Lady of Piety (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Praça da Piedade, s/n, Piedade, Salvador, BA 40070-010
Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo das Dores, s/n, Nazaré, Salvador, BA 40055-440
Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Assunção, s/n, Jardim Santo Inácio, Salvador, BA 41310-020
Parish of Our Lady of the Flooded Areas and Saint John Paul II (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Águas Inundadas, Salvador, BA
Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Conceição da Praia, s/n, Comércio, Salvador, BA 40015-250
Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Lapinha) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo da Lapinha, s/n, Lapinha, Salvador, BA 40300-090
Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Periperi) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Praça da Independência, s/n, Periperi, Salvador, BA 40720-000
Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Tororó) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Dom João VI, s/n, Brotas, Salvador, BA 40285-000
Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Valéria) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Valéria, Salvador, BA 41300-000
Parish of Our Lady of the O (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Ó, s/n, Massaranduba, Salvador, BA 40430-000
Parish of Our Lady of the Ransom (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Resgate, s/n, Lobato, Salvador, BA 40470-000
Parish of Our Lady of the Seas (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Oceânica, s/n, Ondina, Salvador, BA 40170-010
Parish of Our Lady of Victory (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Largo da Vitória, s/n, Vitória, Salvador, BA 40080-310
Parish of Saint Anne (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Santa Ana, s/n, Sete de Abril, Salvador, BA 41500-000
Parish of Saint Clare (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Francisco Ferraro, s/n, Federação, Salvador, BA 40210-668
Parish of Saint Dulce of the Poor (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Teodoro, s/n, Largo de Roma, Salvador, BA 40445-285
Parish of Saint Monica (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Mônica, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA 41510-110
Parish of Saint Rita of Cascia (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Cosme de Farias, Salvador, BA 40250-000
Parish of Saint Rose of Lima (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Nova Brasília, Salvador, BA 41350-000
Parish of Saint Thérèse Doctor of the Church (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Direita da Terezinha, 563, Alto da Terezinha, Salvador, BA
Parish of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Carlos Gomes, s/n, Chame-Chame, Salvador, BA 40155-000
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Thomaz Gonçalves, s/n, Jardim Cruzeiro, Salvador, BA 40450-150
Parish of the Child God (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Tesouro, s/n, Centro Histórico, Salvador, BA 40020-056
Parish of the Child God (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Tesouro, s/n, Centro Histórico, Salvador, BA 40020-056
Parish of the Conversion of Saint Paul (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Visconde de Itaborahy, s/n, Cabula, Salvador, BA 41180-000
Parish of the Divine Holy Spirit (Federação) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Professora Eugênia Magalhães, s/n, Federação, Salvador, BA 40210-070
Parish of the Divine Holy Spirit (Vale dos Lagos) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Condomínio Vale dos Lagos, Rua das Samambaias, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA
Parish of the Holy Cross (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Mangueira, s/n, Jardim Cruzeiro, Salvador, BA 40450-240
Parish of the Holy Family (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua da Mangueira, s/n, Jardim Cruzeiro, Salvador, BA 40450-000
Parish of the Holy Spirit (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida ACM, s/n, Itaigara, Salvador, BA 41825-000
Parish of the Infant Jesus of Prague (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Caminho de Areia, s/n, Caminho de Areia, Salvador, BA 40440-170
Parish of the Lord's Supper and Saint Andrew the Apostle (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Direta de São Cristóvão, s/n, São Cristóvão, Salvador, BA 41500-000
Parish of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of Nazareth (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua do Baluarte, s/n, Massaranduba, Salvador, BA 40430-000
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Avenida Tancredo Neves, s/n, Caminho das Árvores, Salvador, BA 41820-020
Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Alto do Cabrito) (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Salvador, BA Rua Principal, s/n, Alto do Cabrito, Salvador, BA 40710-000

The Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia serves 109 parishes across 12 deaneries, with vibrant devotions to Saint Dulce of the Poor and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.[15][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/)

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese manages 35 schools:

School Name City Type Website
Colégio Antônio Vieira Salvador High School Colégio Antônio Vieira
Escola São José Salvador Elementary Escola São José

[16][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/)

Community Outreach

Pastoral do Menor, in collaboration with CEIFAR, supports 5,000 youths annually with family planning and educational programs.[17][](https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/)

Notable Events or Figures

In 2019, Saint Dulce of the Poor, a native of Salvador, was canonized, with her shrine at the Santuário Dulce dos Pobres drawing thousands. Pope John Paul II visited in 1980 and 1991, the latter to see Saint Dulce of the Poor.[18][](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquidiocese_de_S%25C3%25A3o_Salvador_da_Bahia)

References

  1. "Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  2. "História e Geografia". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  3. "Arquidiocese de São Salvador da Bahia". https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquidiocese_de_S%C3%A3o_Salvador_da_Bahia. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  4. "Archbishop’s Palace of Salvador". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop%27s_Palace_of_Salvador. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  5. "História e Geografia". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  6. "Catedral Basílica Primacial do Santíssimo Salvador". https://www.gcatholic.org/churches/brazil/zsal0.htm. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  7. "Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/brochase.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  8. "Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  9. "Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  10. "Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsasb.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  11. "Pastorais". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/pastorais. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  12. "História e Geografia". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/historia-e-geografia. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  13. "Jesuítas Brasil". https://www.jesuitasbrasil.org.br. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  14. "Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce". https://www.irmadulce.org.br. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  15. "Paróquias". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/paroquias. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  16. "Educação". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/educacao. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  17. "Pastorais". https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/pastorais. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 
  18. "Arquidiocese de São Salvador da Bahia". https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquidiocese_de_S%C3%A3o_Salvador_da_Bahia. Retrieved 2025-09-28. 

External Links