Dom Antônio Fontinele de Melo, current apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Rio Branco Reproduction/Instagram The Diocese of Rio Branco officially received Bishop Dom Antônio Fontinele de Melo, current holder of the Diocese of Humaitá (AM), in the position of apostolic administrator of the institution in the capital of Acre. The religious presentation mass took place last Sunday (12), at the Nossa Senhora de Nazaré Cathedral, in the center of the capital. The phase of change in the highest position of the religious clergy of the Catholic Church in the capital of Acre occurs after the resignation of Dom Joaquín, now bishop emeritus, who led the local religious institution for 27 years. The request, motivated by health problems, was officially accepted by Pope Leo XIV on July 1st. ? Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp According to the local diocese, Dom Fontinele's arrival aims to continue administrative and organizational work during the transition period until the new titular bishop is chosen. In other words, Dom Fontinele may even be definitively appointed by the pope to the role of bishop of the Diocese of Rio Branco. However, to do so, it will be necessary to resign from the administration of the Diocese of Humaitá. Dom Fontinele's welcome took place last Tuesday (7). "He assumes all functions, but is not yet the titular bishop. [...] He comes in the name of the Pope to make reforms and restrictions. In short, he comes to prepare the church for a new government", said the religious institution. MORE Camocim, in Ceará, Dom Antônio Fontinele de Melo is 58 years old and has been bishop of the Diocese of Humaitá (AM) since 2020, after appointment made by the then Pope Francis. A priest since 1999, he built his career in the Archdiocese of Porto Velho (RO), where he worked for more than two decades in pastoral, training and management roles. Graduated in Philosophy and bachelor in Theology, he also has specializations in Higher Education Methodology and Sacred Scriptures. Throughout his career, he was parish priest of the São Cristóvão Parish and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, rector of the Casa Vocacional Dom Hélder Câmara, pastoral coordinator and professor at the São João XXIII Seminary, in Porto Velho. Within the scope of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), he worked in the Northwest Region, which brings together Acre, Rondônia and southern Amazonas, coordinating the Regional Commission of Priests and advising the Base Ecclesiastical Communities. In addition to his religious activities, Dom Antônio is also recognized as a teacher and poet. Review Acre’s news programs