Cardinal Eugênio de Araújo Sales, Archbishop emeritus of São Sebastião do Rio de Janiero, Ordinary emeritus for Eastern Rite Catholics in Brazil without ordinaries of their own rites, was born on November 8, 1920 in Acari, Diocese of Caico.
After having done humanistic studies, he entered the seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1943. After having exercised his pastoral ministry in rural areas, he was called to the seminary of Natal, where he served as a supply officer, professor and spiritual director.
On August 15, 1954 he was ordained titular Bishop of Tibica and Auxiliary Bishop of Natal. Thereafter, in October 1962, he became Apostolic Administrator sede plena. In the see of Natal, he promoted a series of initiatives which spread quickly in all of northeastern Brazil: he founded the social assistance service for rural workers, educational centers, and radio transmissions for elementary and middle school instruction.
In 1964, he was named Apostolic Administrator sede plena of São Salvador da Bahia and on October 29, 1968 he became Archbishop. In this Archdiocese he began new pastoral initiatives and social promotions for the less fortunate. He also directed the Latin American Episcopal Council’s department for social action. During Vatican Council II, he was a member of the commission for the lay apostolate and the mixed commission which elaborated the general outline of Gaudium et Spes.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Paul VI in the consistory of April 28, 1969, of the Title of St. Gregory VII.
In 1971 Paul VI named him Archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro.
Archibishop emeritus of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, July 25, 2001.
Ordinary emeritus for Eastern Rite Catholics in Brazil without ordinaries of their own rites, October 3, 2001.
He died on July 9, 2012.
