Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer

Scherer was born on September 21, 1949, in São Francisco, in the municipality of Cerro Largo (RS), within the Diocese of Santo Ângelo (Brazil). After completing his preparatory studies at the diocesan seminary in Toledo (PR) and the "São José" seminary of the Archdiocese of Curitiba, he pursued philosophy courses at the "Rainha dos Apóstolos" Major Seminary in Curitiba and theology courses at the "Studium Theologicum" in the same city. Following his ordination, while a student at the Pontifical Pio Brasiliano College in Rome, he obtained a licentiate in philosophy and a degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained a priest on December 7, 1976, and incardinated into the diocesan clergy of Toledo. He served as rector and professor at the "São José" Minor Seminary in Cascavel (PR) and the "Maria Mãe da Igreja" Philosophical Seminary in Toledo; rector of the "Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe" Theological Seminary in Cascavel; professor of philosophy at the State University Center of Toledo; and director and professor of theology at the Interdiocesan Theological Center of Cascavel. He also served as parochial vicar of the "São Pedro e São Paulo" parish in Toledo, pastor of the "Cristo Rei" Cathedral, and a member of the Presbyteral Council. Within the "Sul 2" Regional Episcopal Conference (State of Paraná), he was responsible for vocational pastoral care and served as coordinator of the Regional Commission of Presbyters. Since January 1994, he has been an official of the Congregation for Bishops. In Rome, he provided pastoral service at the "Santi Patroni d'Italia, S. Francesco e S. Caterina" parish and served as chaplain at the nursing home run by the Franciscan Handmaids of the Good Shepherd.