The Personal Apostolic Administration San Juan María Vianney (Brazil), known for its connection to the traditional liturgy, has disseminated a statement in which its bishop, Msgr. Fernando Arêas Rifan, informs priests and faithful that Pope Leo XIV has accepted his resignation submitted upon turning 75 years old, but at the same time has asked him to remain in the governance of the circumscription for eighteen months to prepare his succession.
In the text, Rifan explains that he submitted his resignation in accordance with canon 401 on October 20, 2025, and that he delivered it personally to the Pope in a private audience on November 15, 2025, along with documents on the orientation and functioning of the Apostolic Administration. He also recounts that the Pontiff received him “very kindly,” listened to him, and asked him specific questions about the doctrinal and liturgical identity of the community.
Rome confirms continuity: “It is not questioned”
According to the statement, the bishop was also received on November 17 at the Dicastery for Bishops, where he assured that he answered questions about liturgical life and the relationship with the diocese and the bishops of the region. Rifan states that there he was conveyed a relevant message: the continuity of the Apostolic Administration would be a “settled” point and that “it is not questioned”.
The bishop highlights that, in his meeting with Leo XIV, he explained the doctrinal itinerary of the community and its adherence to the Magisterium: preserving the Mass in the ancient Roman rite, recognizing the Pope, Vatican II Council interpreted according to the Magisterium, and the validity of the Novus Ordo when celebrated correctly.
The Pope asks about the current rite and shows satisfaction
One of the most significant passages of the account is the Pope’s direct question: whether the bishop also celebrates Mass according to the current rite. Rifan responds that in his churches the ancient rite is celebrated, but that when he concelebrates with the diocesan bishop of Campos, Dom Roberto Paz, he uses the rite of Paul VI; and that both he and his priests also celebrate the current rite when invited to dioceses. According to the statement, the Pope showed satisfaction.
Rifan also emphasizes the good climate with the diocese of Campos and with the bishops of the region, and assures that he conveyed to the Pope a message from the diocesan bishop: “here in Campos everything is going well, and we are at peace and in communion”.
Extension to prepare successor: until June 2027
The statement adds that the Pope anticipated to him in a public audience on November 19 that his stay would be extended “a little” to better weigh things and, above all, to prepare the succession. Subsequently, on November 25, the secretary of the Dicastery communicated to him that it was agreed to extend his governance for one year and eight months, approximately until the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in 2027.
The formal confirmation arrived on December 3 through a letter from the Apostolic Nuncio in Brazil, Msgr. Giambattista Diquattro, in which it is communicated that Leo XIV accepted the resignation but asks Rifan to remain 18 months from his 75th birthday, and requests “generosity” to continue “serenely” at the head of the Apostolic Administration.