João Braz de Aviz
Stored: João Braz de Aviz
| His Eminence João Braz de Aviz | |
| Bishop of College of Cardinals | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Brasília |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Ponta Grossa |
| Other diocese 2: | Archdiocese of Maringá |
| Other diocese 3: | Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life |
| Ordination: | 26 November 1972 by Bishop Romeu Alberti |
| Consecration: | 31 May 1994 by Archbishop Anuar Battisti |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 18 February 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | João Braz de Aviz 24 April 1947 Mafra, Santa Catarina, Brazil |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Brazil |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Omnes Unum" |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | South America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, born April 24, 1947, is a Brazilian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life since 2011 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Ordained a priest in 1972 for the Diocese of Apucarana and consecrated a bishop in 1994, he served as Bishop of Ponta Grossa (1998–2002), Archbishop of Maringá (2002–2004), and Archbishop of Brasília (2004–2011). His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Omnes Unum" ("All Are One"), emphasizes social justice, consecrated life, and pastoral dialogue, aligning with Pope Francis’ focus on mercy and inclusion.[1] Braz de Aviz participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis and, at age 77, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of seven Brazilian electors among 135 cardinals, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[2][3][4]
Braz de Aviz’s leadership in overseeing religious orders globally has strengthened consecrated life, and his survival of an armed robbery in 1980 shaped his pastoral resilience, but his curial role and age limit his papal candidacy, with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.[5][6] Recent X posts highlight his participation as Brazil’s oldest eligible cardinal, reflecting his experience but not candidacy prominence.[7] His academic background from the Pontifical Gregorian University informs his theological depth. As an emeritus cardinal, Braz de Aviz’s influence in the 2025 conclave lies in his vote and curial expertise, contributing to the Church’s future, though his moderate stance and Vatican-centric career make him an unlikely pope.[2][4]
Biography
Birth and early life
João Braz de Aviz was born on April 24, 1947, in Mafra, Santa Catarina, Brazil, to a Catholic family in a rural, agricultural region. Raised during Brazil’s post-war modernization, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s social mission, leading him to enter the Apucarana Seminary at age 14. His family’s faith and Brazil’s socio-economic challenges shaped his commitment to justice.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) emphasis on social engagement influenced Braz de Aviz’s moderate outlook. Fluent in Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his curial career.[8][1]
Education
Braz de Aviz studied philosophy and theology at the Rainha dos Apóstolos Seminary in Curitiba, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1986–1989), obtaining a licentiate in canon law, focusing on consecrated life.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for pastoral renewal, equipping him to lead religious orders globally. Braz de Aviz’s academic rigor prepared him for episcopal and Vatican roles.[1][5]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on November 26, 1972, by Bishop Romeu Alberti for the Diocese of Apucarana, Braz de Aviz served as a parish priest and seminary rector (1972–1994). In 1980, he survived an armed robbery, sustaining bullet wounds, an experience that deepened his pastoral resilience and commitment to the poor.
His priesthood focused on catechesis and social outreach, navigating Brazil’s political transition from dictatorship. Braz de Aviz’s leadership earned him episcopal appointment.[8][1]
Bishop
Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Vitória on May 31, 1994, by Archbishop Anuar Battisti, Braz de Aviz served as Bishop of Ponta Grossa (1998–2002), Archbishop of Maringá (2002–2004), and Archbishop of Brasília (2004–2011). Appointed Prefect of the Congregation (now Dicastery) for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in 2011, he was elevated to cardinal in 2012 with the title Cardinal-Deacon of Sant’Elena fuori Porta Prenestina. He participated in the 2013 conclave.
Braz de Aviz’s curial work has strengthened religious orders, but his Vatican role limits his pastoral profile, reducing papal candidacy prospects.[5][6] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 77, he is one of seven Brazilian electors, influencing the vote with his curial expertise.[2][4][7][9]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Vitória | Auxiliary Bishop | 31 May 1994 | 12 August 1998 | Supported catechesis |
| Diocese of Ponta Grossa | Bishop | 12 August 1998 | 17 July 2002 | Focused on social justice |
| Archdiocese of Maringá | Archbishop | 17 July 2002 | 28 January 2004 | Strengthened pastoral care |
| Archdiocese of Brasília | Archbishop | 28 January 2004 | 4 January 2011 | Promoted dialogue |
| Dicastery for Consecrated Life | Prefect | 4 January 2011 | Present | Oversaw religious orders |
Significant events
- Entered Apucarana Seminary in 1961.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Apucarana in 1972.
- Survived armed robbery in 1980.
- Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Vitória in 1994.
- Appointed Bishop of Ponta Grossa in 1998.
- Appointed Archbishop of Maringá in 2002.
- Appointed Archbishop of Brasília in 2004.
- Appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life in 2011.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Braz de Aviz.
Written by the bishop
- No known books authored by Cardinal Braz de Aviz.
External links
- João Cardinal Braz de Aviz at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal João Braz de Aviz at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Braz de Aviz’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal João Braz de Aviz". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_braz-de-aviz.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope". Nigerian Observer. 2025-04-24. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/.
- ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on 7 May, Vatican says". The Guardian. 2025-04-28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/28/conclave-elect-new-pope-7-may-vatican.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Cardeais brasileiros se preparam para participar do Conclave". eleicoesempauta. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/Qil7zTM5uN.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Cardinal João Braz de Aviz". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55629/cardinal-joao-braz-de-aviz.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". The Guardian. 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-next-pope-heats-up-outcome-less-predictable.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "João Braz de Aviz é o cardeal brasileiro mais velho apto". MaringaCom. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/Wk30d6GREN.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "João Cardinal Braz de Aviz". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbraz.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Braz de Aviz appointed to Vatican role". Vatican News. 2011-01-04. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2011-01/braz-de-aviz-congregation.html.