Pope Leo XIV keeps Dom Orani Tempesta in charge of Rio archdiocese for two more years

Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic Church, announced on Thursday, August 7, 2025, the acceptance of the resignation request from Cardinal Dom Orani Tempesta, archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, but determined that he remain in office for two more years until a successor is appointed. The decision, communicated by the Rio archdiocese, aligns with Canon Law, which requires resignation upon reaching 75 years, an age Dom Orani reached in June. The pontiff expressed gratitude for the cardinal’s service since 2009, highlighting his pastoral significance. The measure comes amid a transitional period for the Brazilian Church, with other cardinals nearing mandatory retirement age. Dom Orani’s continuity ensures stability in the archdiocese as the Vatican plans strategic changes. The decision also signals Leo XIV’s leadership style, balancing tradition and renewal.

The Rio de Janeiro archdiocese, one of Brazil’s most prominent, remains under the leadership of a figure known for his pastoral work and community engagement. Dom Orani, who participated in the conclave that elected Leo XIV, is a central figure in the Brazilian Church.

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• Continued leadership: Dom Orani will remain until 2027, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Papal gratitude: Leo XIV praised the cardinal’s impact on evangelization and management.
• 2025 conclave: Orani was one of seven Brazilian cardinals who voted in the papal election.
• Canonical age: Resignation at 75 is mandatory, but the pope may extend terms.

Leo XIV’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach, retaining experienced leaders while planning the future of the Church in Brazil.

Dom Orani Tempesta’s trajectory

Dom Orani João Tempesta, born in 1950 in São José do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, is a prominent figure in the Brazilian Catholic Church. Ordained a priest in 1974, he took over the Rio archdiocese in 2009 after serving in São José do Rio Preto and Belém. His tenure was marked by organizing the 2013 World Youth Day, which brought Pope Francis to Brazil. A communication specialist, he chaired the CNBB’s Episcopal Commission for Culture, Education, and Communication from 2003 to 2011.

Dom Orani’s continuation until 2027 signals Leo XIV’s trust in his ability to lead one of Brazil’s five cardinal sees. The Rio archdiocese, with its cultural and religious significance, requires continuity amid global challenges for the Church. The cardinal is known for his inclusive approach, engaging with diverse societal sectors and promoting dynamic pastoral initiatives.

• World Youth Day: The 2013 event solidified his global leadership.
• Academic background: Specialist in communication, with CNBB involvement.
• Humble origins: Son of Italian immigrants, began as an altar boy.

State of the Brazilian Church

The Catholic Church in Brazil is undergoing a transitional phase, with several cardinals nearing retirement age. Besides Dom Orani, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer of São Paulo submitted his resignation in 2024, but Pope Francis requested he remain until 2026. In Aparecida, Archbishop Dom Orlando Brandes, aged 79, continues until he turns 80 next year, as authorized by Francis. Another cardinal, Dom Leonardo Steiner, archbishop of Manaus, is expected to submit his resignation in November 2025 upon turning 75.

These changes align with Canon Law’s mandatory retirement at 75, though the pope may extend terms. Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, appears to favor continuity, keeping experienced leaders in strategic archdioceses. The selection of successors will indicate the profile Leo XIV seeks for the Brazilian Church, according to experts.

Brazil has five cardinal sees: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Aparecida, Brasília, and Salvador. These archdioceses play a crucial role in Church administration and papal elections, with their leaders often participating in conclaves.

Election of Leo XIV and the 2025 conclave

The May 2025 conclave, which elected American Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, was marked by a decisive vote. According to Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana of Madagascar, Prevost secured over 100 votes from the 133 cardinal electors, surpassing the 89 needed for a two-thirds majority. The election, concluded on the second day after four voting rounds, was met with enthusiasm, as noted by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

• White smoke: The election signal emerged at 1:07 p.m. on May 8, 2025.
• Leo XIV’s profile: A missionary in Peru with Peruvian citizenship, he is the first American pope.
• Cardinal meeting: The first post-conclave gathering emphasized collegiality.
• Key challenges: Artificial intelligence and social justice were central themes.

At 69, Leo XIV brings a background of missionary work in Peru and service in the Dicastery for Bishops. His election reflects a desire for a leader aligned with Francis’s pastoral vision, emphasizing dialogue and social justice.

Implications for Rio

The decision to keep Dom Orani in office for two more years ensures stability for the Rio archdiocese, one of Brazil’s most visible. The city, with its strong Catholic identity, hosts events like the São Sebastião feast and Church-led social initiatives. Dom Orani’s continuity allows ongoing projects, such as social assistance and evangelization programs, to proceed without abrupt interruptions.

The selection of a successor, expected by 2027, will be a pivotal moment. Experts suggest the new archbishop will reflect Leo XIV’s vision, which emphasizes building “bridges” and promoting peace. The Rio archdiocese, with its cultural influence, will serve as a gauge of the Church’s direction under the new papacy.

• Social projects: Community support programs continue under Dom Orani.
• Religious events: The São Sebastião feast is an annual highlight in Rio.
• Planned transition: The successor’s appointment will be strategic for the Vatican.

Future of Catholic leadership in Brazil

The Brazilian Catholic Church is in a phase of renewal. Alongside upcoming resignations, the appointment of new cardinals, such as Archbishop Ilson Montanari, may strengthen Brazil’s influence in the Vatican. Montanari, who served as secretary of the 2025 conclave, is a likely candidate to become the first cardinal appointed by Leo XIV, following Church tradition.

Changes in the São Paulo, Rio, and Aparecida archdioceses, expected by 2027, will be decisive. The selection of new archbishops will indicate whether Leo XIV will maintain Francis’s progressive stance or adopt a more conservative tone. His focus on social justice and contemporary issues, like artificial intelligence, suggests a preference for leaders aligned with an open, engaged Church.

• New cardinals: Ilson Montanari may be Brazil’s next in the College of Cardinals.
• Renewal in Brazil: Three major archdioceses will see new leaders by 2027.
• Leo XIV’s vision: Dialogue and social justice guide the pope’s choices.