Paulo Evaristo Arns was born on September 14, 1921, in Germany. He grew up in a religious family, with three of his sisters eventually becoming nuns. Arns showed academic promise from a young age and went on to study literature, Latin, Greek, and ancient history at Sorbonne in Paris.
Arns felt a strong calling to join the priesthood and was ordained as a priest in 1945. He dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church and helping the marginalized and oppressed in society. Arns quickly rose through the ranks of the Church and was eventually appointed as the Archbishop of São Paulo.
As Archbishop, Arns became known for his outspoken opposition to the military dictatorship in Brazil. He fearlessly denounced the use of torture and other human rights abuses committed by the government. Despite facing threats to his own safety, Arns continued to speak out against injustice and advocate for those in need.
Arns's commitment to human rights extended beyond Brazil. He was one of the highest-ranking members of the Catholic Church to openly disagree with the church's position on clerical celibacy. Arns believed that priests should be allowed to marry and have families, a view that put him at odds with the Church hierarchy.
In 1996, Pope John Paul II granted Arns the right to retire. Despite stepping down from his official duties, Arns continued to be a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights until his passing. He left behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and compassion that inspired many others to follow in his footsteps.
Paulo Evaristo Arns will be remembered as a tireless champion of the oppressed and a fearless advocate for human rights. His unwavering commitment to justice and compassion made a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and society as a whole. Arns's legacy serves as a reminder to all of us to stand up against injustice and to always fight for what is right.
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