Pope Leo XIV appoints Dom Antônio Fontinele bishop of Diocese of Rio Branco

Pope Leo XIV appointed Dom Antônio Fontinele de Melo as bishop of the Diocese of Rio Branco on Friday, September 18. Fontinele de Melo transfers from the Diocese of Humaitá in Amazonas to lead the diocese in Acre.

He has been serving as the apostolic administrator of Rio Branco since the resignation of Bishop Joaquín Pertíñez. The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) issued a statement welcoming the appointment and offering prayers for his new mission.

Fontinele de Melo is 58 years old and was ordained a priest on September 18, 1999. He previously served in the Archdiocese of Porto Velho as a parish priest, rector, and pastoral coordinator. His academic background includes studies in philosophy, theology, higher education methodology, and sacred scripture.