Cardinal Sales

Born in Acari, in the diocese of Caicò, Brazil, on November 8, 1920, Cardinal Sales was ordained a priest on November 21, 1943. On June 1, 1954, at the young age of 34, Pope Pius XII appointed him titular Bishop of Tibica. He was promoted to San Salvador of Bahia on October 29, 1968. As bishop, he promoted various initiatives, such as a social assistance service for farmers rural workers and lessons over the radio for students who could not attend school. Sales has served on many Vatican committees, including that on the Apostolate of the Laity during the Second Vatican Council. He has also worked tirelessly for UNESCO's literacy campaign. He was made a cardinal by Pope Paul VI during the Consistory of April 28, 1969. Since March 13, 1971, he is Archbishop of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro.