Archdiocese of Brasília
The Archdiocese of Brasília, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving the Federal District of Brazil. Established on 11 October 1960 by Pope John XXIII, it functions as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Brasília and oversees several suffragan dioceses. Led by Archbishop Paulo Cezar Costa since 2020, the archdiocese ministers to a growing Catholic population in Brazil's capital region and maintains a prominent role in national Church affairs.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Brasília
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Brasília | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Brasília |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Formosa; Diocese of Luziânia |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Federal District |
| Bishop: | Paulo Cezar Costa |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesedebrasilia.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 60.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 320 |
| Existence: | 1960– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | SEPS 713/913, Bloco D, Asa Sul, Brasília, DF 70390-135, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Brasília was erected on 11 October 1960 by Pope John XXIII to serve the newly established capital city of Brazil and surrounding areas.
History
The archdiocese was created shortly after the inauguration of Brasília as Brazil's capital. Its territory was taken from the Archdiocese of Goiânia and the Diocese of Uruaçu. The first bishop, José Newton de Almeida Baptista, was appointed in 1960 and oversaw rapid growth amid the city's development. The see was elevated to metropolitan archdiocese status upon its creation.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the entire Federal District of Brazil, including the planned city of Brasília and its satellite towns.
Mother Church
The Catedral Metropolitana de Nossa Senhora Aparecida in Brasília, a modernist structure designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and consecrated in 1970, serves as the archdiocese's cathedral.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Paulo Cezar Costa has served as metropolitan archbishop since 2020. A native of Brazil, he previously served as auxiliary bishop in São Paulo and bishop of São Carlos.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Newton de Almeida Baptista | 1960–1984 | First archbishop; oversaw initial development of the see. |
| José Freire Falcão | 1984–2004 | Elevated to cardinal in 1988; retired. |
| João Braz de Aviz | 2004–2010 | Transferred to become prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. |
| Sérgio da Rocha | 2011–2020 | Elevated to cardinal in 2016; transferred to Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia. |
| Paulo Cezar Costa | 2020–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional celebrations of the Traditional Latin Mass alongside the ordinary form, equal emphasis on traditional moral teachings and social outreach programs, and leadership focused on doctrinal fidelity within mainstream Catholic norms.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 5,802 square kilometers and serves around 2.4 million registered Catholics across 48 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians operate schools and youth ministries throughout the archdiocese.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises 48 parishes organized into eight deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese oversees 57 Catholic schools serving thousands of students.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in need, including food distribution and social services.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese hosted the canonization-related events for Brazilian saints and regularly organizes national Eucharistic congresses.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Brasília:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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