Diocese of Caraguatatuba

The Diocese of Caraguatatuba, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving the northern coast of the state of São Paulo in Brazil. Established in 2017 by Pope Francis, it ministers to a growing Catholic population in a region known for tourism and natural beauty. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Paulo, the diocese emphasizes evangelization and community support in its coastal territory. Its foundation reflects the ongoing expansion of Church structures to meet pastoral needs in southeastern Brazil. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Caraguatatuba

Diocese: Diocese of Caraguatatuba
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of São Paulo
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of São Paulo
Country:	Brazil
Region:	São Paulo
Bishop:	José Carlos Brandão Cabral
Existence:	2017–
Rating:	3.5
Chancery Address:	Caraguatatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

Establishment

The Diocese of Caraguatatuba was established on 9 March 2017 by Pope Francis to serve the growing Catholic population along the northern coast of São Paulo state, separating territory from the Archdiocese of São Paulo and the Diocese of Taubaté.

History

Early Years

The diocese began its operations shortly after erection, with its first bishop taking possession in 2017 and focusing on organizing parishes and pastoral structures in the coastal municipalities.

Geography

The diocese covers the northern coastal region of São Paulo state, including the municipalities of Caraguatatuba, Ubatuba, Ilhabela, and São Sebastião. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Paulo.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint Anthony in Caraguatatuba serves as the diocese’s mother church.

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Carlos Brandão Cabral has served since 2017. He was appointed as the first bishop of the newly erected diocese.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently appointed.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
José Carlos Brandão Cabral	2017–present	First and current Bishop of Caraguatatuba.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices in the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional elements, equal attention to doctrinal teachings and community outreach, and leadership focused on pastoral development in a new see.

Statistics

The diocese serves the coastal region of northern São Paulo with a Catholic population that forms a significant portion of the local residents and visitors.

Religious Communities

Limited information is available on specific religious communities active in the diocese due to its recent establishment.

Parishes

The diocese organizes its pastoral work through parishes distributed across its four municipalities.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic education through existing schools in its territory.

Community Outreach

Pastoral initiatives focus on family life, youth ministry, and care for tourists and seasonal residents.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected in 2017 as part of the restructuring of ecclesiastical territories in Brazil.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Caraguatatuba:

Did you know? The Diocese of Caraguatatuba was erected in 2017 by Pope Francis, making it one of the newest dioceses in Brazil and highlighting the Church’s response to population growth along the São Paulo coast.

Surprise! Its territory includes the beautiful island of Ilhabela, where Catholic faith communities minister to both permanent residents and many visitors drawn to the region’s beaches and nature.

Here's something cool: The see city of Caraguatatuba gives the diocese its name, which comes from Tupi-Guarani roots meaning “place of the caraguatá plant,” connecting local Catholic life to the natural heritage of the area.

Wow moment: As a young diocese, Caraguatatuba began with a single bishop overseeing the organization of parishes across four coastal municipalities, a task that continues to shape its vibrant missionary identity.

Little-known gem: The diocese’s location on the “Brazilian Riviera” allows its communities to blend traditional coastal devotions with outreach to tourists, creating unique opportunities for evangelization each year.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of São Paulo]