Roman Catholic Cardinal. A native of Viçosa, Avelar Brandão Vilela was the elder brother of Senator Teotônio Vilela who fought for the return of democracy in Brazil. Entering seminary in Maceió, later moving to that of Olinda, he was ordained priest for the diocese of Arucajú in October 1935. Named member of the teaching staff of the local seminary and secretary of the diocese, at the early age of thirty four, he was appointed bishop of the diocese of Petrolina by Pope Pius XII, receiving his episcopal consecration in Aracajú on October 27, 1946. Promoted to metropolitan see of Teresina on November 5, 1955, he served as president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), between 1966 and 1972. Transferred to the metropolitan see of São Salvador da Bahia on March 25, 1971, Pope Paul VI created him cardinal priest in the consistory of March 5, 1973, with the title of Ss. Bonifacio ed Alessio. Primate of Brazil upon the elevation of São Salvador da Bahia to the rank of primatial see on October 25, 1980, the Cardinal was known as the "great conciliator" for his central position between progressives and conservatives regarding the church's role in Brazilian society. He died in office of stomach cancer.
Roman Catholic Cardinal. A native of Viçosa, Avelar Brandão Vilela was the elder brother of Senator Teotônio Vilela who fought for the return of democracy in Brazil. Entering seminary in Maceió, later moving to that of Olinda, he was ordained priest for the diocese of Arucajú in October 1935. Named member of the teaching staff of the local seminary and secretary of the diocese, at the early age of thirty four, he was appointed bishop of the diocese of Petrolina by Pope Pius XII, receiving his episcopal consecration in Aracajú on October 27, 1946. Promoted to metropolitan see of Teresina on November 5, 1955, he served as president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), between 1966 and 1972. Transferred to the metropolitan see of São Salvador da Bahia on March 25, 1971, Pope Paul VI created him cardinal priest in the consistory of March 5, 1973, with the title of Ss. Bonifacio ed Alessio. Primate of Brazil upon the elevation of São Salvador da Bahia to the rank of primatial see on October 25, 1980, the Cardinal was known as the "great conciliator" for his central position between progressives and conservatives regarding the church's role in Brazilian society. He died in office of stomach cancer.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
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