Odilo Scherer

Odilo Scherer, born on September twenty-first, nineteen forty-nine, is a prominent Brazilian cardinal of the Catholic Church. He has served as the Archbishop of São Paulo since two thousand seven, following his tenure as auxiliary bishop from two thousand one to two thousand seven. His earlier career included a significant role in the Roman Curia at the Congregation for Bishops from nineteen ninety-four to two thousand one.

Elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in two thousand seven, Scherer gained international attention as a potential successor to the Pope during the conclave of two thousand thirteen. In two thousand twenty-four, upon reaching the age of seventy-five, he submitted his resignation as customary, but Pope Francis requested that he continue in his role for an additional two years.

Described as an intellectual with a strong grasp of finance and economics, Scherer is often characterized as reserved and bookish. His theological and pastoral approach is considered theologically moderate, though he is perceived as relatively conservative within Brazil. He consciously avoids the political rhetoric associated with liberation theology, instead focusing on evangelism that emphasizes compassion for the suffering poor and encourages lay participation and charismatic movements.