Archdiocese of Porto Velho
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Porto Velho, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the state of Rondônia in the Federative Republic of Brazil. Established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI and elevated to metropolitan archdiocese status in 1982, it serves as the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Porto Velho. Led by Archbishop Roque Paloschi since 2019, the archdiocese ministers to a growing Catholic population in the Amazon region as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Porto Velho. A notable aspect is its role in supporting indigenous communities and environmental stewardship initiatives rooted in Catholic social teaching.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Porto Velho
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Porto Velho | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Porto Velho |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Guajará-Mirim; Diocese of Humaitá; Diocese of Ji-Paraná; Prelature of Lábrea; Territorial Prelature of São Gabriel da Cachoeira |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Rondônia |
| Bishop: | Roque Paloschi |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesepv.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1925– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Dom Bosco, 1550, Porto Velho, RO 76801-030, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Porto Velho was established on 1 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI as the Territorial Prelature of Porto Velho to serve the expanding Catholic population in the Amazonian frontier of Brazil. It was later elevated to a diocese in 1979 and to an archdiocese on 4 October 1982.
History
Early Years
The see originated as a missionary territory under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who established the first parishes and schools amid the rubber boom era.
Elevation to Archdiocese
In 1982 the diocese was raised to metropolitan status, assuming oversight of several suffragan sees in western Amazonia.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the entire state of Rondônia and parts of adjacent areas, including the municipalities of Porto Velho, Ariquemes, and Cacoal. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Porto Velho.
Mother Church
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Porto Velho serves as the mother church; the current structure was dedicated in 1970 in a modern architectural style.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Roque Paloschi has served since 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Roraima and emphasizes indigenous rights and environmental protection.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| João Batista Marchesi, SDB | 1925–1946 | First ordinary; Salesian missionary. |
| João de Souza Lima, SDB | 1946–1966 | Oversaw expansion of parishes. |
| José de Almeida Batista Pereira | 1966–1979 | Later transferred to another see. |
| José Gonçalves da Silva | 1979–1982 | Last bishop before elevation to archdiocese. |
| João Maria Cavalcanti de Brito | 1982–1997 | First archbishop. |
| Moacyr Grechi, OSB | 1997–2011 | Benedictine; focused on social issues. |
| Eduardo Martinho Zamboni, OFM | 2011–2019 | Franciscan; promoted vocations. |
| Roque Paloschi | 2019–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with regular celebration of the Novus Ordo in Portuguese alongside occasional traditional practices, equal emphasis on social justice outreach in the Amazon and core moral teachings, and leadership that integrates doctrinal fidelity with regional pastoral priorities.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 90,000 square miles (233,000 km²), serves around 1.2 million registered Catholics across 85 parishes, and ministers within a total population of 1.8 million.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco continue their historic presence through schools and youth ministry. Address: Rua Dom Bosco, Porto Velho.
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Porto Velho |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The archdiocese organizes its 85 parishes into eight deaneries covering urban and rural zones of Rondônia.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates 57 Catholic schools serving thousands of students.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in remote Amazon communities, including health and education support.
Notable Events or Figures
- Salesian missionaries established the first permanent Catholic presence in the region during the early twentieth century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Porto Velho:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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