Diocese of Franca

The Diocese of Franca, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. Established in 1971, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ribeirão Preto and serves a Catholic population within its territory. The diocese maintains its role in fostering faith and community life in a region with deep Catholic roots.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Franca

Diocese: Diocese of Franca
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Ribeirão Preto
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Ribeirão Preto
Country:	Brazil
Region:	São Paulo
Bishop:	José Carlos Brandão Cabral
Existence:	1971–

Establishment

The Diocese of Franca was erected on 7 November 1971 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the region of Franca, São Paulo.

History

The diocese developed from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Ribeirão Preto, focusing on pastoral care and evangelization in interior São Paulo.

Geography

The diocese covers the area around the city of Franca and surrounding municipalities in the state of São Paulo. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Ribeirão Preto.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Franca serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Carlos Brandão Cabral has served as bishop since 2013.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Diógenes Silva Matthes	1971–1975	First bishop; transferred to other see.
José Maria Maimone	1975–2006	Long-serving bishop; retired.
André de Witte	2006–2013	Transferred from other see; retired.
José Carlos Brandão Cabral	2013–present	Current bishop.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across multiple parishes in its territory.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese support parish ministry and education.

Parishes

The diocese includes a number of parishes organized under its structure.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities and similar programs provide social services.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese continues the legacy of early missionary efforts in São Paulo state.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Franca:

Did you know? The Diocese of Franca was established in 1971 to meet the pastoral needs of the growing population in interior São Paulo.

Surprise! Its cathedral honors Our Lady of the Conception and stands as a central point of worship for local Catholics.

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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 Ribeirão Preto]