Bishop of Montenegro
Carlos Rômulo Gonçalves e Silva was born on January 24, 1969, in Piratini, in the Archdiocese of Pelotas, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. He pursued his studies in Philosophy at the Higher Institute of Philosophy and in Theology at the Paulo VI Institute of Theology, both institutions affiliated with the Catholic University of Pelotas. He subsequently obtained a Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (2002–2004). Furthermore, he attended courses for seminary formators organized by CELAM in Santiago (Chile) and Bogotá (Colombia). He was ordained a priest on December 8, 1994, and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Pelotas. During his priestly ministry, he held the following roles at the São Francisco de Paula Archdiocesan Seminary: assistant to minor seminarians (1995–1997), to seminarians in the propaedeutic course (1996–2002 and 2004–2008), and to students of Philosophy (1997–2002) and Theology (2001–2016); spiritual director (2004–2008); and rector (2011–2016). Additionally, he served as parochial vicar of Santa Teresinha in Pelotas (1995–2002); coordinator of vocational pastoral care (1997–2002); coordinator of the Holy Popular Missions (2005–2007); parish priest of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Canguçu (2008–2011); coordinator of pastoral care for priests (2008–2011); parish priest (2011–2012) and subsequently parochial vicar (2012–2013) of Santo Cura d’Ars in Pelotas; and professor at the Paulo VI Institute of Theology (since 1995). He currently holds the positions of Vicar General; Director of the Paulo VI Institute of Theology; Director of the School for Deacons; member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, the Council for Economic Affairs, and various councils of the Catholic University of Pelotas.