Archdiocese of Pelotas
The Diocese of Pelotas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the city of Pelotas and surrounding areas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Founded in 1910 by Pope Pius X, it was elevated to the status of archdiocese in 2011 and serves as the metropolitan see for its ecclesiastical province. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Pelotas, the archdiocese ministers to a Catholic population in southern Brazil with a focus on education, social outreach, and preservation of local traditions. A notable aspect is its historic cathedral, which stands as a central landmark for faith and community gatherings in the region. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Pelotas
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Pelotas | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Pelotas |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Bagé; Diocese of Rio Grande |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Rio Grande do Sul |
| Bishop: | Leomar Antônio Brustolin |
| Website: | https://www.arquipelotas.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1910– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Porto Alegre |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua XV de Novembro, 291, Pelotas, RS, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Pelotas was established on 15 August 1910 by Pope Pius X as the Diocese of Pelotas, carved from territory previously under the Diocese of Porto Alegre to serve the growing Catholic population in southern Rio Grande do Sul. It was elevated to the rank of archdiocese on 13 April 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.
History
Early Years
The see was created to address pastoral needs in the region following waves of European immigration. The first bishop, João Francisco Braga, oversaw initial organization and construction of key institutions.
Elevation to Archdiocese
In 2011 the diocese was raised to metropolitan status, gaining suffragan sees and expanding its administrative role within the Brazilian Church.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the municipality of Pelotas and adjacent areas in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Pelotas.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Francis of Paula in Pelotas serves as the mother church, featuring neoclassical architecture completed in the early twentieth century.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Leomar Antônio Brustolin has served since 2021.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| João Francisco Braga | 1912–1934 | First Bishop of Pelotas; later Archbishop of Curitiba. |
| Antônio Zattera | 1934–1959 | Oversaw expansion of parishes and schools. |
| Armando Círio | 1960–1970 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Cascavel. |
| Jayme Henrique Chemello | 1970–2011 | Led elevation to archdiocese; retired. |
| Jacinto Bergmann | 2011–2021 | First Archbishop of Pelotas; transferred to Porto Alegre. |
| Leomar Antônio Brustolin | 2021–present | Current Archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside traditional devotions and emphasis on both doctrinal fidelity and social outreach programs.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves approximately 400,000 Catholics across multiple parishes in its territory.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians conduct educational and youth ministry programs in the archdiocese.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises numerous parishes organized under several deaneries. A complete list is available on the official website.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates several Catholic schools focused on integral formation.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and related programs provide assistance to families in need throughout the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The elevation to archdiocese in 2011 marked a significant milestone for the local Church.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Pelotas:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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