# Odilo Scherer

> Catholic cardinal

**Wikidata**: [Q704881](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q704881)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odilo_Scherer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/odilo-scherer

## Summary
Odilo Pedro Scherer is a Brazilian Catholic cardinal who serves as the Archbishop of São Paulo. He was elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and is considered a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in Latin America.

## Biography
- Born: September 21, 1949, in Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Education: Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy), Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná
- Known for: Serving as Archbishop of São Paulo and being elevated to cardinal in 2007
- Employer(s): Catholic Church, specifically the Archdiocese of São Paulo
- Field(s): Catholic priesthood, theology, university teaching

## Contributions
Odilo Scherer has served as a university teacher and Catholic priest throughout his career. As Archbishop of São Paulo, he has led one of the largest Catholic archdioceses in the world, overseeing pastoral care for millions of Catholics. He has participated in various Vatican synods and councils, contributing to the Church's dialogue on contemporary issues. His academic background includes teaching at both the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil.

## FAQs
What is Odilo Scherer's role in the Catholic Church?
Odilo Scherer serves as the Archbishop of São Paulo, Brazil, and was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, making him one of the most senior Catholic prelates in Latin America.

Where did Odilo Scherer receive his education?
Cardinal Scherer studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, receiving advanced theological and academic training.

What is Odilo Scherer known for internationally?
He is known internationally as a prominent Brazilian cardinal who participated in the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis, and for his leadership of the Archdiocese of São Paulo, one of the largest Catholic jurisdictions globally.

## Why They Matter
Odilo Scherer matters significantly in the Catholic Church as one of the most influential Latin American cardinals, representing the growing importance of the Global South in Church leadership. His position as Archbishop of São Paulo places him at the helm of a massive archdiocese with millions of faithful, giving him substantial pastoral and administrative responsibilities. As a cardinal, he participates in electing popes and advising the Holy See on matters of doctrine and Church governance, making his voice influential in shaping Catholic policy and direction.

## Notable For
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007
- Participated in the 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis
- Serves as Archbishop of São Paulo, one of the world's largest Catholic archdioceses
- Represents the growing influence of Latin American leadership in the Catholic Church
- Has academic credentials from both Brazilian and Roman pontifical universities
- Serves as a university teacher in addition to his episcopal duties

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Odilo Pedro Scherer was born on September 21, 1949, in Cerro Largo, a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He pursued his theological education at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, one of the most prestigious pontifical universities in the Catholic world. He also studied at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, combining international and national academic formation in his preparation for the priesthood.

### Priestly Formation and Early Ministry
Scherer was ordained as a Catholic priest and began his ministry in Brazil. His academic background led him to serve as a university teacher, combining pastoral work with theological education. This dual role of priest and educator has characterized much of his career, allowing him to influence both the academic and pastoral dimensions of Catholic life in Brazil.

### Episcopal Career
Scherer's episcopal career advanced significantly when he was appointed Archbishop of São Paulo, one of the largest and most important archdioceses in the Catholic world. The Archdiocese of São Paulo serves millions of Catholics in Brazil's most populous city and surrounding areas, making it a position of substantial pastoral and administrative responsibility.

### Cardinalate
In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI elevated Odilo Scherer to the rank of cardinal, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the Church. As a cardinal, he gained the right to participate in papal conclaves and became an important advisor to the Holy See. His elevation reflected the growing importance of Latin American leadership within the universal Catholic Church.

### Participation in Papal Conclave
Cardinal Scherer participated in the 2013 papal conclave following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. This conclave elected Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history. Scherer's participation in this historic event placed him at the center of one of the most significant moments in recent Catholic Church history.

### Academic and Teaching Roles
Throughout his career, Cardinal Scherer has maintained connections to academic institutions. He has taught at both the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil. This academic involvement has allowed him to contribute to theological education while serving in pastoral leadership roles.

### Leadership in the Brazilian Church
As Archbishop of São Paulo, Scherer leads one of Brazil's most significant Catholic jurisdictions. Brazil is home to the largest Catholic population in the world, and São Paulo represents a major urban center with complex pastoral challenges. His leadership involves managing extensive administrative structures while providing spiritual guidance to millions of faithful.

### International Recognition
Cardinal Scherer's position has brought him international recognition within Catholic circles. He represents Brazilian Catholicism on the global stage and participates in various Vatican dicasteries and synods. His voice carries particular weight in discussions about the Church's role in Latin America and the challenges facing Catholicism in the modern world.

### Cultural Context
Scherer operates within Brazil's rich Catholic tradition, where the Church has played a central role in national life since colonial times. The Archdiocese of São Paulo, under his leadership, continues this tradition while addressing contemporary challenges including secularization, social inequality, and the growth of evangelical Protestantism in Brazil.

### Current Status
As of the most recent information available, Cardinal Scherer continues to serve as Archbishop of São Paulo, maintaining his position as one of the most prominent Catholic leaders in Latin America. His ongoing service demonstrates the stability and continuity of his leadership within the Brazilian Church.

## References

1. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
2. [Source](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/03/02/0168/00317.html#:~:text=00318%2DIT.01%5D-,Rinuncia%20e%20nomina%20dell%E2%80%99Amministratore%20Apostolico%20dell%E2%80%99Esarcato%20Apostolico%20per%20i%20fedeli%20di%20rito%20armeno%20residenti%20in%20America%20Latina%20e%20Messico%20per%20il%20Brasile,-Il%20Santo%20Padre)
3. Munzinger Personen
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. FactGrid