On 24 April 2023, the 60th General Assembly of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB), meeting in Aparecida, elected Archbishop Jaime Spengler, OFM, Archbishop of Porto Alegre, as President of the CNBB for the next four years.
Archbishop Jaime was born in Gaspar (Brazil) on 6.09.1960, took his first vows in 1983, his solemn vows in 1985 and became a priest on 17.11.1990. At the Antonianum in Rome, he obtained a doctorate in philosophy. In the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil, he held the following positions: Professor in the Franciscan Novitiate at Rodeio, Master of Postulants (1990); Parish Vicar at Guaratinguetá (1991-1994); Professor and Vice-Rector of the São Boaventura Institute of Philosophy at Campo Largo (2000-2003); Religious Assistant of the Brazilian Federation of Conceptionists (2001-2002); Guardian and Parish Vicar of the Senhor Bom Jesus Parish, in the Archdiocese of Curitiba (2004-2006), Vice-President of the Franciscan Association of Ensino Senhor Bom Jesus in Campo Largo. On 10 November 2010, he was appointed titular Bishop of Patara and Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre by Pope Benedict XVI. He received episcopal ordination on 5 February 2011. Three years later, on 18 September 2013, he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Porto Alegre by Pope Francis.
To Archbishop Jaime, the Order's best wishes and prayers that his ministry to the CNBB and the Brazilian people will bear abundant good fruits.
Photo: Vatican News
