Monsignor Leandro Machado Silvestre elected Bishop of Guajará-Mirim

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor Leandro Machado Silvestre as the new bishop for the Diocese of Guajará-Mirim in Rondônia, Brazil.

Originally from Itaquaquecetuba, São Paulo, and ordained in the Diocese of Mogi das Cruzes, Silvestre has served as a Fidei Donum missionary in the Archdiocese of Porto Velho. His current roles include serving as parish priest of São Cristóvão, spiritual director of the Major Seminary, and Vicar General of the Porto Velho archdiocese.

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) expressed joy regarding the appointment, noting that it strengthens the missionary ties between the Regional Sul-1 and the Amazonian Church. The CNBB highlighted Silvestre's history of service in the region as a sign of unity and shared responsibility in the Church's evangelizing mission.