Odilo Pedro Scherer
Stored: Odilo Pedro Scherer
| His Eminence Odilo Pedro Scherer | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of São Paulo | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of São Paulo |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 7 December 1976 by Archbishop Paulo Evaristo Arns |
| Consecration: | 2 February 2002 by Pope John Paul II |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 24 November 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Odilo Pedro Scherer 21 September 1949 São Francisco do Sul, Brazil |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Brazil |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "In manus tuas" |
| Role: | Archbishop |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | South America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, born September 21, 1949, is a Brazilian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of São Paulo since 2007 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. Ordained a priest in 1976 for the Diocese of Toledo and consecrated a bishop in 2002, he is a prominent Latin American church leader, known for his pastoral engagement, advocacy for the poor, and defense of traditional doctrine, as reflected in his motto "In manus tuas" ("Into your hands"). His moderate theology balances social justice with conservative moral teachings, aligning with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy while critiquing secular trends, such as his 2023 defense of Vatican II against traditionalist objections.[1] Scherer participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis and, at age 75, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, with some sources citing him as a potential papal candidate, though health concerns and his regional focus temper expectations.[2][3][4]
Scherer’s tenure in São Paulo, one of the world’s largest archdioceses, has focused on urban evangelization, interfaith dialogue, and support for marginalized communities, notably defending priest Júlio Lancellotti against political attacks in 2024.[5] However, his health issues, noted in early 2025, and the conclave’s diverse 135 electors from 70 countries reduce his likelihood of election, with candidates like Pietro Parolin and Peter Turkson seen as stronger contenders.[2][6][7] His academic background in theology and philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University and his German-Brazilian heritage enhance his global perspective. As an active cardinal, Scherer’s influence in the post-Francis Church centers on his conclave vote and leadership in Brazil, where he remains a respected figure despite limited papal prospects.
Biography
Birth and early life
Odilo Pedro Scherer was born on September 21, 1949, in São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil, to a German-Brazilian family of farmers. The second of 13 children, his Catholic upbringing in a rural, immigrant community sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the São José Seminary in Curitiba at age 16. His family’s faith and Brazil’s socio-economic challenges shaped his commitment to social justice.
Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985) influenced Scherer’s early ministry, fostering a focus on pastoral care and community outreach. Fluent in Portuguese, German, Italian, and English, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his rise in the Church hierarchy.[8][9]
Education
Scherer studied philosophy at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (1972–1974) and theology at the Studium Theologicum in Curitiba, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1994–1996), obtaining a licentiate and doctorate in theology, focusing on pastoral theology and social ethics.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for social engagement, equipping him to lead in Brazil’s diverse urban context. Scherer’s academic rigor and multilingual proficiency prepared him for global Church roles.[9][10]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on December 7, 1976, by Archbishop Paulo Evaristo Arns for the Diocese of Toledo, Scherer served as a parish priest and professor of theology at the Toledo Diocesan Seminary (1977–1982). He was rector of the São José Seminary in Curitiba (1985–1994) and a curial official in Rome (1994–2001), working in the Congregation for Bishops.
His priesthood focused on priestly formation and pastoral care, navigating Brazil’s democratic transition. Scherer’s ties to Arns and Roman experience positioned him for episcopal appointment.[8][9]
Bishop
Consecrated titular Bishop of Novi and auxiliary bishop of São Paulo on February 2, 2002, by Pope John Paul II, Scherer was appointed Archbishop of São Paulo in 2007 and elevated to cardinal in 2007 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale. He participated in the 2013 conclave and has led São Paulo through urban challenges, advocating for the poor and interfaith dialogue.
Scherer’s 2024 defense of Júlio Lancellotti and 2023 Vatican II remarks highlight his pastoral and doctrinal stance, but health concerns noted in 2025 limit his papal prospects.[5][1][4] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 75, he is among seven Brazilian electors, though his candidacy is overshadowed by others.[2][6][11]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titular See of Novi | Auxiliary Bishop | 2 February 2002 | 21 March 2007 | Served São Paulo |
| Archdiocese of São Paulo | Archbishop | 21 March 2007 | Present | Led urban evangelization, social outreach |
Significant events
- Entered São José Seminary in 1965.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Toledo in 1976.
- Consecrated titular Bishop of Novi in 2002.
- Appointed Archbishop of São Paulo in 2007.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Defended Júlio Lancellotti against political attacks in 2024.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Scherer.
Written by the bishop
- Evangelho Segundo o Pobre by Odilo Pedro Scherer, ISBN 978-8515035632
External links
- Odilo Pedro Cardinal Scherer at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Scherer’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Cardeal Scherer: Concílio Vaticano II é pedra angular". ArqSP. 2023-10-21. https://t.co/0o4k63hVqB.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "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.
- ↑ "Who will be the next pope? A conclave 2025 preview". National Catholic Reporter. 2025-04-22. https://www.ncronline.org/news/who-will-be-next-pope-conclave-2025-preview.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Cardeal Odilo Scherer enfrenta problemas de saúde". catolicosbr. 2025-02-15. https://t.co/JrD9z8hWyK.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Dom Odilo defende Pe. Júlio Lancellotti". ArqSP. 2024-03-10. https://t.co/5tV4q2jXyZ.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Who could be the next pope? Some possible candidates". Reuters. 2025-04-21. https://www.reuters.com/world/who-could-be-next-pope-some-possible-candidates-2025-04-21/.
- ↑ "The cardinals who could become the next pope". BBC News. 2025-04-23. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-68834678.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Odilo Pedro Cardinal Scherer". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bscherer.html.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Biography of Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_scherer.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55620/cardinal-odilo-scherer.
- ↑ "Cardeais brasileiros se preparam para participar do Conclave". eleicoesempauta. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/Qil7zTM5uN.