Archbishop of Botucatu
Maurício Grotto de Camargo was born on September 26, 1957, in Presidente Prudente, in the State of São Paulo. He pursued his philosophy studies at the "Nossa Senhora Mãe da Igreja" Diocesan Seminary in Presidente Prudente and his theology studies at the "Paulo VI" Theological Institute of the Archdiocese of Londrina. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Presidente Prudente on April 11, 1981, he subsequently held the following positions: Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator and Chancellor of the Curia for his diocese (1981); Parochial Vicar at "Santa Rita de Cássia" (1981) and "Alvares Machado" (1983); Spiritual Director and Rector of the "Sagrado Coração de Jesus" Provincial Seminary (1987–2000); Parochial Vicar at "Presidente Feijó" (1988); and Parish Administrator at "Rosana" (1993). For a brief period, he served as Under-Secretary General of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (2000). On May 3, 2000, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Assis, receiving episcopal ordination on July 30 of that year. He served as Apostolic Administrator (*sede vacante*) of the Diocese of Araçatuba (2003–2004) and as the National Head of the Pastoral Care for Human Mobility for the Brazilian Bishops' Conference. He has served as the Diocesan Bishop of Assis since October 27, 2004.