Bishop of Lorena
Joaquim Wladimir Lopes Dias was born on October 23, 1957, in Cafelândia, in the Diocese of Lins, in the State of São Paulo. After completing his preliminary studies in his hometown and in Bauru, he obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Administration in Jundiaí. He entered the Nossa Senhora do Desterro Seminary of the Diocese of Jundiaí, where he pursued studies in philosophy. He completed his theological studies at the Pio XI Salesian Theological Institute in São Paulo. On December 12, 1997, he was ordained a priest and incardinated into the clergy of the Diocese of Jundiaí, where he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar of São Sebastião Parish in Itupeva (1997–1998); Diocesan Coordinator of the Cursilhos de Cristandade Movement (1997–1998); Pastor of São Francisco de Assis Parish in Campo Limpo (1999–2000); Pastor of Nossa Senhora da Piedade Parish in Várzea Paulista (2001–2002); Vice-Rector (2003–2006) and Rector (2006–2009) of the Nossa Senhora do Desterro Diocesan Seminary; Vicar General (2006–2009) and Diocesan Administrator (2009). Since 2010, he has served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Jundiaí.