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In 1978, Brazilian Dom Aloísio Lorscheider refused to be pope after receiving enough votes in the conclave to elect John Paul II — a decision that changed the course of the Catholic Church.
A white smoke The pope's election began in the Vatican in 1978 after the sudden death of John Paul I. It was the signal for the election of a new pope. At that time, a Brazilian came very close to being chosen. Dom Aloísio Lorscheider, archbishop of Fortaleza, received enough votes to take office. But he refused, in one of the most remarkable episodes in the recent history of the Catholic Church.
The conclave after the death of John Paul I
The year 1978 was marked by a rapid succession in the leadership of the Church. John Paul I died just 33 days after assuming the papacy.
This forced a new conclave. Among the names considered, the Brazilian Dom Aloísio Lorscheider stood out. According to reports, he managed to obtain two-thirds of the votes, a number sufficient to be elected pope.
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When asked if he would accept the position, Dom Aloísio refused. He claimed health problems. The cardinal had undergone eight bypass surgery and feared that he would not be able to withstand the physical and emotional demands of the pontificate.
Lorscheider's decisive role
The Brazilian's refusal created a stalemate among the cardinals. To overcome the division, Dom Aloísio began to mobilize colleagues from Latin America and Africa.
Together, they helped build consensus around the name of Karol Wojtyla, then Archbishop of Krakow, Poland. He was the one who ended up being elected, taking the name John Paul II. His pontificate would last 26 years.
The episode was reported by Tad Szulc in the book “Pope John Paul II – The Biography”. For the journalist, Lorscheider’s refusal played a decisive role in Wojtyla’s choice.
The trajectory of the Brazilian cardinal
Born in the city of Estrela, Rio Grande do Sul, Dom Aloísio Lorscheider built a solid career in the Church. He was archbishop of Fortaleza and Aparecida. He also presided over the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and the Latin American Episcopal Council. In 1976, he was named cardinal by Pope Paul VI.
Despite his poor health, he continued to work until the last years of his life. He died in Porto Alegre on December 23, 2007, at the age of 83.
The Brazilian presence in the 2025 conclave
Currently, Brazil continues to have a strong presence in the Vatican. In the 2025 conclave, seven Brazilian cardinals participated in the election of the new pope. Among them was Dom Sergio da Rocha, archbishop of São Salvador da Bahia.
His name was mentioned among the favorites. But, when asked about the possibility of assuming the position, Dom Sergio said that the choice is “in the hands of God”.
Brazil is still waiting for a pope
Despite the importance of the Church in Brazil, the country has never had a pope. Several factors explain this. One of them is Europe's historical strength in choosing pontiffs.
Another is the conservative view of part of the College of Cardinals. In addition, there is a perception that the political and social context of Latin America brings its own challenges.
Dom Aloísio is a symbol of this dilemma. He had votes, he had support, but he refused. His decision, however, helped lead the Church to one of the longest-lasting pontificates in history.
Today, Brazilian cardinals remain influential and represent the hope for change.
With information from Xataka.
