Bishop of Campos
Roberto Francisco Ferrería Paz was born on June 5, 1953, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He has been a Brazilian citizen for many years. He pursued his studies in philosophy at the Major Seminary of Porto Alegre and in theology first at the Institute of Theology of the Pontifical Catholic University of Porto Alegre and later at the Theological Institute of the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. He also obtained a specialization in History from the University of Montevideo and in Canon Law from the Higher Institute of Canon Law in Rio de Janeiro. On December 16, 1989, he was ordained a priest and incardinated into the clergy of Porto Alegre. Within this archdiocese, he has served in the following roles: Parochial Vicar of the "São Luiz Gonzaga" Parish (1990–1991); Professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical Catholic University and the Major Seminary of Viamão (1990–1996)—and he currently continues to teach the same subject in the university's specialization courses; Parish Priest of the "Nossa Senhora da Paz" Parish (since 1992); Judge at the Ecclesiastical Tribunal (1990–2006); Archdiocesan Spiritual Assistant for the "Encontro de Casais com Cristo" movement (since 1995); Pastoral Coordinator for the Vicariate of Culture (since 2001); Judicial Vicar of the Regional Interdiocesan Tribunal of Second Instance (since 2006); Head of the ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue sector; President of the Archdiocesan Commission for Social Communications; Theological Supervisor for the "Novo Milênio" newspaper; and member of the College of Consultors.