On November 15, 2025, I was received in private audience by Pope Leo XIV in the Library of the Apostolic Palace. The audience lasted 30 minutes. In addition to introducing myself as Bishop of the Personal Apostolic Administration of St. John Mary Vianney, which he certainly knew only from reports, I explained to him the origin and reason why it was created by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002. I told him our story and gave him our documents and those of the Holy See on the matter. I also gave him some of my books, articles, and clarifications. I spoke about our theological and spiritual journey, about how we left the state of separation from the Church and how we came to understand the need for communion, in which we now find ourselves, thanks to God and the Church.
I expressed our communion and firm adherence to the Chair of Peter, in his person.
He asked me several questions about our position, which I answered correctly, leaving him very satisfied.
He realized that we are very different from other radical and schismatic groups.
I reminded him of St. Augustine's phrase: “Outside the Church, one can have many good things; one can sing Hallelujah, Amen, make the sign of the cross, etc... But outside the Church, there is no salvation.”
I showed him how we are in communion with our diocesan bishop and with the other Catholic bishops.
I explained to him how our seminary works and how we screen vocations.
I explained to him that we also serve 11 other dioceses with the permission or request of the local bishops.
I therefore spoke to him about the need to continue with our Apostolic Administration for the good of the Church.
I told him that I had already submitted my letter of resignation, due to my 75 years of age, and the need to continue to have a bishop.
Of course, his response will come through the proper channels, after the usual consultations.
I was very pleased with this cordial and auspicious visit, demonstrating our adherence and communion with the Chair of Peter in his person.
At the end, I quoted and we recited together the prayer: Dominus conservet eum ... et non tradat eum in manibus inimicorum eius.
Regarding my resignation, I do not consider myself necessary or irreplaceable, which no one is, as I have always taught.
Of course, I asked for nothing more than his blessing. I make St. Martin's prayer my own: “Lord, if I am still needed by your people, I will not refuse the work.”
But these procedures take a while. The Pope does not give an immediate answer. He consults with many people first.
I repeated to him the phrase he used as a cardinal during the Conclave: “We are in the hands of the Holy Spirit and the Church.”
Let us pray that the Pope will do what is best for the future of our Apostolic Administration, for the good of the Church, and for the glory of God.
Our Lady, Mother of the Church, will always protect us.
God provides, God will provide! His mercy will not fail us.
(Source, in Portuguese)
*Bishop Rifan remains the only bishop in the world, in completely regular situation, exclusively dedicated to the Traditional Latin Mass. John Paul II erected the Apostolic Administration in 2002 to welcome the priests and faithful of Campos, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who remained attached to the Traditional Roman Rite. It remains the only ecclesial body and local Church exclusively attached to it.
