Jaime Spengler

Stored: Jaime Spengler, Jaime Spengler

His Eminence Jaime Spengler
Bishop of Archdiocese of Porto Alegre
Home diocese:	Diocese of Osório
Other diocese 1:
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	17 November 1990 by Bishop José Ivo Lorscheiter
Consecration:	5 February 2011 by Archbishop Dadeus Grings
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	7 December 2024 by Pope Francis
Personal details
Born:	Jaime Spengler (1962-01-24) January 24, 1962 Gaspar, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Died:
Nationality:	Brazilian
Education:	Pontifical University Antonianum
Motto:	Omnia In Caritate
Role:	Diocesan
Theology:	Progressive
Region:	Latin America
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Jaime Spengler, born (1962-01-24) January 24, 1962, is a Brazilian Catholic cardinal and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre since 2013. A member of the Order of Friars Minor, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2024 and serves as president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM). Known for his progressive stance, including openness to ordaining married men as priests and supporting same-sex blessings, Spengler has been a key advocate for synodality and addressing regional challenges in the Amazon, earning recognition as a leading voice in the Roman Rite in Latin America.

Born in Gaspar, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Spengler joined the Franciscans and pursued advanced studies in philosophy at the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. His leadership in the 2024 Synod on Synodality and upcoming role presiding over the May 2025 pilgrimage to Fatima highlight his global influence, while his reflections on the 2025 papal conclave emphasize the Church’s irreversible path toward inclusivity and dialogue.

Biography

Birth and early life

Jaime Spengler was born on (1962-01-24) January 24, 1962 in Gaspar, a town in Santa Catarina, Brazil, to a family of German descent. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he was active in parish life at local churches, influenced by the Franciscan spirituality prevalent in the region. His early exposure to the Roman Rite and community service shaped his vocation, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Growing up in a rural area, Spengler developed a deep connection to Brazil’s cultural and social challenges, particularly in the Amazon. His decision to join the Order of Friars Minor at a young age reflected his commitment to simplicity and service, setting the stage for his later advocacy for marginalized communities.

Education

Spengler began his formation with the Franciscans in Brazil, studying philosophy at the Franciscan Faculty of Philosophy in Curitiba. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome, earning a licentiate in 1994 and a doctorate in philosophy in 2002, focusing on ethics and social justice. His academic work emphasized the Church’s role in addressing modern societal issues, aligning with his progressive theological perspective.

He also studied theology at the Theological Institute of Porto Alegre, preparing for his priestly and episcopal roles. His time in Rome exposed him to the global Catholic Church, reinforcing his commitment to synodality and dialogue, which later defined his leadership in CELAM and the 2024 Synod on Synodality.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on 17 November 1990 by Bishop José Ivo Lorscheiter for the Diocese of Osório, Spengler served in various Franciscan roles in Brazil. He was a formator at the Franciscan seminary in Rondinha, guiding young friars, and served as a parish priest in several communities in Rio Grande do Sul. His ministry focused on education, youth engagement, and social outreach, reflecting Franciscan values of simplicity and service.

From 2002 to 2010, Spengler held leadership roles within the Order of Friars Minor, including provincial minister for southern Brazil. His work in fostering community dialogue and addressing regional challenges, such as poverty and environmental degradation, earned him recognition as a pastoral leader.

Bishop

Appointed titular Bishop of Patara and Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre by Pope Benedict XVI on 10 November 2010, Spengler was consecrated on 5 February 2011 by Archbishop Dadeus Grings. On 18 September 2013, Pope Francis named him Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre, a role he has held since. He was elevated to cardinal on 7 December 2024, receiving the title of San Luigi Maria Grignion de Montfort.

As CELAM president and a Synod on Synodality participant, Spengler has advocated for an Amazonian Rite and the ordination of married men (“viri probati”) to address priest shortages, emphasizing cultural and logistical challenges in remote regions. In 2025, he will preside over the international pilgrimage to Fatima on 12–13 May, and his reflections on the upcoming papal conclave highlight the Church’s irreversible path toward inclusivity, stating, “Não existe voltar atrás” (There is no going back). X posts note his progressive stance and popularity as a potential papal candidate, though these remain speculative.

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Archdiocese of Porto Alegre	Auxiliary Bishop	10 November 2010	18 September 2013	Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI; titular Bishop of Patara
Archdiocese of Porto Alegre	Archbishop	18 September 2013	Present	Appointed by Pope Francis; elevated to cardinal in 2024

Significant events

• Entered the Order of Friars Minor in 1982.
• Ordained priest for the Diocese of Osório by Bishop José Ivo Lorscheiter in 1990.
• Earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome in 2002.
• Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Porto Alegre and titular Bishop of Patara by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
• Named Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre by Pope Francis in 2013.
• Elected president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) in 2023.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024, with the title of San Luigi Maria Grignion de Montfort.
• Participated in the 2024 Synod on Synodality, advocating for an Amazonian Rite and viri probati.
• Scheduled to preside over the international pilgrimage to Fatima on 12–13 May 2025.
• Reflected on the 2025 papal conclave, emphasizing the Church’s irreversible path toward inclusivity.

Books

Written about the bishop

• No known books or articles specifically dedicated to Cardinal Jaime Spengler have been identified as of May 2025.

Written by the bishop

• No known books or publications authored by Cardinal Jaime Spengler have been identified as of May 2025.

External links

• Jaime Cardinal Spengler, Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• SPENGLER Card. Jaime, Vatican Press Office
• Cardinal Jaime Spengler to Preside Over Pilgrimage to Fatima on 12 and 13 May, Santuário de Fátima
• Pope Francis’ Brazilian pick for cardinal urges openness to ordaining married priests in region, Catholic News Agency

References

• • Cargo Note**: The infobox fields `diocese` and `home_diocese` are likely defined as "Page" types in the

Stored: Jaime Spengler, Jaime Spengler

Jaime Spengler
Bishop of
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