Bishop of Jequié
Paulo Romeu Dantas Bastos was born on August 20, 1955, in Nova Soure, in the Diocese of Alagoinhas and the State of Bahia. He began his philosophy studies at the Catholic University of Salvador (Bahia) and completed them at the Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Barra (Bahia). He studied theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. He was ordained a priest on May 18, 1985, and incardinated into the Diocese of Barreiras, where he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sagrado Coração de Jesus) in Formosa do Rio Preto (1984–1985); Parish Administrator of Saint Sebastian (São Sebastião) in Barreiras (1986–1987) and of Our Lady of Saint Anne (Senhora Santana) in Riachão das Neves (1987–1991); Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (São João Batista) in Barreiras (1992–2002); Coordinator of Diocesan Pastoral Work (1987–1996); Coordinator of Youth Ministry (1987–1996); and Vicar General (1997–2002). On April 24, 2002, he was appointed Bishop of Alagoinhas and received episcopal ordination on July 27 of that same year.