Paulo Cezar Costa
Stored: Paulo Cezar Costa
| His Eminence Paulo Cezar Costa | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Brasília | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Valença |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of São Carlos |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 5 December 1992 by Bishop Elias James Manning |
| Consecration: | 5 February 2011 by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 27 August 2022 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Paulo Cezar Costa 20 July 1967 Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Brazil |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Sustineo Propter Electos" (I Endure for the Sake of the Elect) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Latin America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Paulo Cezar Costa, born on 20 July 1967, is a Brazilian prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Brasília since 2020 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[1] Born in Valença, Brazil, he was ordained a priest in 1992 for the Diocese of Valença, served as auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (2011–2016), and Bishop of São Carlos (2016–2020).[2] Known for his progressive theology, Costa emphasizes dialogue, synodality, and defense of life from conception, aligning with Pope Francis’ vision while advocating for human dignity in Brazil’s polarized society.[3] As one of the youngest cardinals, his roles in the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) highlight his influence.[2]
Costa’s ministry includes significant contributions, such as establishing an Ecclesiastical Tribunal and a Commission for the Protection of Minors in São Carlos, and serving as administrative director for World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro.[3] His leadership as president of CELAM’s Commission for Culture and Education (2023–present) and participation in the 2024 Synod on Synodality underscore his commitment to a participatory Church.[4] Eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, Costa is one of seven Brazilian cardinals able to vote, though papabile speculation lacks primary confirmation.[5][4] After Pope Francis’ death in April 2025, Costa expressed grief, describing him as a “father” who fostered simplicity and dialogue with the poor.[4] He continues to lead Brasília’s Catholics, promoting a Church of encounter.[3]
Biography
Birth and early life
Paulo Cezar Costa was born on 20 July 1967 in Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Geraldo Manuel da Costa Amaral and Maria Alice Miranda Amaral.[1] He grew up in a Catholic family and discerned a priestly vocation early, entering the diocesan seminary in Valença.[2] His early life in Valença’s socio-political context shaped his focus on dialogue and human dignity.[3]
Costa’s exposure to Brazil’s challenges, including inequality, influenced his later advocacy for the marginalized.[4] His commitment to education and pastoral service began in his youth, setting the stage for his ecclesiastical career.[6]
Education
Costa studied philosophy at Nossa Senhora do Amor Divino Seminary in Petrópolis and theology at the Higher Institute of Theology in the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro.[2] He earned a licentiate (1998) and doctorate (2001) in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, with a dissertation on “Monarquia e Trias em Dionísio de Roma e Dionísio de Alexandria” and a thesis on “Salvatoris Disciplina: Dionisio de Roma e a Regula Fidei no debate teológico do terceiro século.”[6] He was ordained a priest on 5 December 1992 by Bishop Elias James Manning.[1]
His academic roles included rector of Paulo VI Interdiocesan Seminary (2006–2010), director of the Paulo VI Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Nova Iguaçu, and professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.[3] His education equipped him for theological leadership.[4]
Priesthood
Ordained for the Diocese of Valença in 1992, Costa served as parish vicar in Paraíba do Sul (1993), pastor of São Sebastião dos Ferreiros in Vassouras (1994–1996), and held various diocesan roles, including coordinator of youth ministry and director of the House of Formation for Seminarians.[6] He was a member of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference’s (CNBB) Commission for Doctrine and the National Institute of Pastoral Care.[2]
His priesthood focused on education and clergy formation, culminating in his role as rector of Paulo VI Seminary.[3] Costa’s early ministry emphasized dialogue, a theme he carried into his episcopal roles.[4]
Bishop
Appointed auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro and titular bishop of Oescus on 24 November 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, Costa was consecrated on 5 February 2011 by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta.[1] Named Bishop of São Carlos on 22 June 2016, he served until his appointment as Archbishop of Brasília on 21 October 2020, installed on 12 December 2020.[2] Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio on 27 August 2022, he became one of the youngest cardinals.[3]
Costa’s episcopal ministry included creating an Ecclesiastical Tribunal and a Commission for the Protection of Minors in São Carlos and leading World Youth Day 2013.[3] His roles in CELAM, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (2020–present), and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (2020–present) reflect his global influence.[2] His progressive theology, advocating dialogue and synodality while defending life from conception, has drawn both praise and conservative critique.[3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro | Auxiliary Bishop | 24 November 2010 | 22 June 2016 | Titular Bishop of Oescus |
| Diocese of São Carlos | Diocesan Bishop | 22 June 2016 | 21 October 2020 | Established tribunal and minors’ commission |
| Archdiocese of Brasília | Metropolitan Archbishop | 21 October 2020 | Present | First cardinal of Brasília |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Valença in 1992 by Bishop Elias James Manning.[1]
- Earned licentiate (1998) and doctorate (2001) in dogmatic theology from Pontifical Gregorian University.[6]
- Appointed auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro in 2010.[1]
- Named Bishop of São Carlos in 2016.[2]
- Served as administrative director for World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro.[3]
- Appointed to Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2020.[2]
- Named to Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 2020.[2]
- Appointed Archbishop of Brasília in 2020.[2]
- Elected to CELAM’s board of consulting bishops in 2019, president of Commission for Culture and Education in 2023.[4]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[3]
- Participated in the 2024 Synod on Synodality in Rome.[4]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- "Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa". 23 November 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/paulo-cezar-costa.
- Rothenburg, Mariana; Niederauer (21 April 2025). "Cardeal Paulo Cezar Costa fala sobre legado de Francisco e o novo papado". https://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/podcast/2025/04/cardeal-paulo-cezar-costa-fala-sobre-legado-de-francisco-e-o-novo-papado.html.
- La Rosa, Angelica (26 April 2025). "Conosciamo il Cardinale elettore Paulo Cezar Costa". https://www.informazionecattolica.it/2025/04/26/conosciamo-il-cardinale-elettore-paulo-cezar-costa/.
Written by the bishop
- No books or major publications by Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa have been identified in available sources, though he has contributed articles and pastoral letters on dialogue and synodality.[4]
External links
- Paulo Cezar Cardinal Costa at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Cardeal Dom Paulo Cezar Costa at Arquidiocese de Brasília
- Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa at Vatican Press
- Cardeal Paulo Cezar Costa fala sobre legado de Francisco at Correio Braziliense
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Cheney, David M.. "Paulo Cezar Cardinal Costa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/cescos.html.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 "Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa". 27 August 2022. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_costa.html.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 "Cardinal Paulo Cezar Costa". 23 November 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/paulo-cezar-costa.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Rothenburg, Mariana; Niederauer (21 April 2025). "Cardeal Paulo Cezar Costa fala sobre legado de Francisco e o novo papado". https://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/podcast/2025/04/cardeal-paulo-cezar-costa-fala-sobre-legado-de-francisco-e-o-novo-papado.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Piqué, Elisabetta (25 April 2025). "Quiénes son los cardenales que participarán del cónclave". https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/quienes-son-los-cardenales-que-participaran-del-conclave-nid25042025/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Paulo Cezar Costa". 24 November 2010. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Cezar_Costa.