Orani João Tempesta
Stored: Orani João Tempesta
| His Eminence Orani João Tempesta | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Belém do Pará |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of São José do Rio Preto |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 7 December 1974 by Archbishop Antônio de Castro Mayer |
| Consecration: | 25 April 1997 by Archbishop Luciano José Cabral Duarte |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 22 February 2014 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Orani João Tempesta 23 June 1950 São José do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Brazil |
| Education: | Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro |
| Motto: | "Quodcumque Dixerit Vobis, Facite" |
| Role: | Archbishop |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | South America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, OCist, born June 23, 1950, is a Brazilian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro since 2009 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014. Ordained a priest in 1974 for the Cistercian Order and consecrated a bishop in 1997, he served as Bishop of São José do Rio Preto (1997–2004) and Archbishop of Belém do Pará (2004–2009). His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Quodcumque Dixerit Vobis, Facite" ("Do Whatever He Tells You"), emphasizes pastoral care, social justice, and dialogue with diverse cultures, aligning with Francis’ inclusive vision.[1][2] Tempesta played a key role in organizing the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio, hosting Pope Francis, and participated in the 2013 conclave that elected him. At age 74, he 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.[3][4][5]
Tempesta’s pastoral leadership and Cistercian spirituality, inspired by a mentor’s “prophecy” of his episcopal destiny, have earned him respect in Brazil, with some X posts suggesting him as a papabile for his joyful demeanor and organizational skills.[6][7] However, his regional focus, lack of curial experience, and the progressive majority among electors (108 appointed by Francis) limit his candidacy, with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.[8] His academic background from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro informs his pastoral approach. As an active cardinal, Tempesta’s influence in the 2025 conclave lies in his vote and pastoral perspective, contributing to the Church’s future, though his lack of global prominence reduces his papal prospects.[3][9]
Biography
Birth and early life
Orani João Tempesta was born on June 23, 1950, in São José do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, Brazil, to a Catholic family of Italian descent. Raised during Brazil’s post-war industrialization, his vocation was inspired by the Cistercian Order, joining the São Bernardo Monastery at age 16. A mentor’s “prophecy” of his religious destiny, as noted in recent X posts, shaped his path.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) call for pastoral renewal influenced Tempesta’s moderate outlook. Fluent in Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his leadership career.[10][1][6]
Education
Tempesta studied philosophy and theology at the São Bernardo Monastery, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. He later pursued pastoral studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on social engagement and catechesis.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s pastoral and social justice teachings, equipping him for Brazil’s diverse Church. Tempesta’s academic background prepared him for episcopal roles.[1][11]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on December 7, 1974, by Archbishop Antônio de Castro Mayer for the Cistercian Order, Tempesta served as a monastic priest and prior of São Bernardo Monastery (1974–1997). He was a professor of theology and key figure in Brazil’s Cistercian communities.
His priesthood focused on spiritual formation and social outreach, navigating Brazil’s socio-political changes. Tempesta’s leadership earned him episcopal appointment.[10][1]
Bishop
Consecrated Bishop of São José do Rio Preto on April 25, 1997, by Archbishop Luciano José Cabral Duarte, Tempesta served there until appointed Archbishop of Belém do Pará in 2004. He became Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro in 2009 and was elevated to cardinal in 2014 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Madre della Provvidenza a Monte Verde. He participated in the 2013 conclave.
Tempesta’s leadership in organizing the 2013 World Youth Day showcased his organizational skills, but his regional focus limits his papal candidacy.[5][9] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 74, he is one of seven Brazilian electors, influencing the vote with his pastoral experience.[3][12][13]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of São José do Rio Preto | Bishop | 25 April 1997 | 13 October 2004 | Focused on catechesis |
| Archdiocese of Belém do Pará | Archbishop | 13 October 2004 | 27 February 2009 | Strengthened social outreach |
| Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro | Archbishop | 27 February 2009 | Present | Organized 2013 World Youth Day |
Significant events
- Entered São Bernardo Monastery in 1966.
- Ordained priest for the Cistercian Order in 1974.
- Consecrated Bishop of São José do Rio Preto in 1997.
- Appointed Archbishop of Belém do Pará in 2004.
- Appointed Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
- Organized World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Tempesta.
Written by the bishop
- No known books authored by Cardinal Tempesta.
External links
- Orani João Cardinal Tempesta at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Orani João Tempesta at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Tempesta’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Orani João Tempesta". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_tempesta.html.
- ↑ "Dom Orani on next pope". bbcbrasil. 2025-04-28. https://t.co/afqglMwozB.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "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/.
- ↑ "Who will be the next pope? Here's how the conclave works". NPR. 2025-04-21. https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/who-will-be-the-next-pope-heres-how-the-conclave-works.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Orani Tempesta profile". Amandavettorazz. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/0bhQuRJEHk.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Orani Tempesta prophecy". otempo. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/25FYRtZjFK.
- ↑ "Orani Tempesta papabile". automaticoldace. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/8o2S4EG45N.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Orani Tempesta on conclave". correio. 2025-04-28. https://t.co/ckNlFiAXHf.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Orani João Cardinal Tempesta". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/btempesta.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Orani João Tempesta". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55635/cardinal-orani-tempesta.
- ↑ "Orani Tempesta biography". brasilparalelo. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/yEpQSjOfKn.
- ↑ "Cardinal Tempesta appointed Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro". Vatican News. 2009-02-27. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2009-02/tempesta-rio.html.