Sergio da Rocha

Sergio da Rocha (born 21 October 1959) is the current archbishop of Brasilia since his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI on 15 June 2011. Archbishop da Rocha had previously served as archbishop of Teresina.

Da Rocha was born in Dobrada, Diocese of Jaboticabal, State of Sao Paulo in 1959. After his elementary studies, he took courses in philosophy at the diocesan seminary of Sao Carlos and theology at the Theological Institute of Campinas. He received a licentiate in moral theology at the Theological Faculty Nossa Senhora da Assuncao, Sao Paulo, and a doctorate in the same discipline at the Alphonsian Academy, Rome.

He was ordained priest 14 December 1984 to Mata, the Diocese of Sao Carlos. As a priest has had the following ministries: Priest in Agua Vermelha and Coordinator of the Youth Pastoral of Sao Carlos (1985–1986) and professor of philosophy at the seminary and the Diocesan Spiritual Director of the House of Theology in Campinas (1986–1987 and 1991); Rector of the Seminary of Philosophy of Sao Carlos (1987–1988 and 1990), Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Vocation (1987 and 1989), Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of Sao Carlos (1988–1989), Parochial Vicar of the Parish Nossa Senhora de Fatima Sao Carlos (1990), Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral and Rector of the Chapel of Sao Carlos in Sao Judas Tadeu (1991), Professor of Moral Theology at the PUC Campinas and Rector of the Diocesan Seminary of Theology (1997–2001), member of the formation of permanent deacons, and member of the Council of Priests and the College of Consultants.

On 13 June 2001 he was appointed Titular Bishop of Alba and Auxiliary Bishop of Fortaleza by Pope John Paul II, and consecrated on 11 August. He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Teresina 31 January 2007 he became Archbishop on 3 September 2008.

As Bishop has held the following positions: Member of the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference, and member of the Episcopal Commission of the Happening de Superacao from misery and Fome of the Episcopal Conference of the Regional Secretary and in charge of Youth and the Pastoral Care of Vocations Northeast Region 1; Member of the Permanent Council and the Commission of the Doctrine of the Episcopal Conference, President of Northeast Region 1; Chairman of the Department of Vocation and Ministry CELAM – Latin American Episcopal Council.

Archbishop da Rocha was appointed archbishop of Brasila on 15 June 2011, ending the sede vacante that began on 4 January when Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz was appointed prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Archbishop da Rocha took possession of the see on 6 August.

On 14 November 2015, the Synod of Bishops announced that Pope Francis had named him as one of his three appointments to that body's council.