Francisco de Paula Victor (bishop)

Francisco de Paula Victor (1827-1905) was a Brazilian Roman Catholic priest and bishop. He is best known for his work as a parish priest in Três Pontas, Minas Gerais, where he served for over fifty years and was known for his piety, dedication to the poor, and efforts to educate enslaved people and their children.

Victor was born a slave in Campanha, Minas Gerais. He was manumitted by his godfather and later entered the seminary in Mariana. He was ordained a priest in 1851. He was appointed parish priest of Três Pontas in 1852, a position he held until his death.

During his ministry, Father Victor, as he was commonly known, established a school for poor children, including those who were enslaved, despite significant opposition from slave owners and some segments of the local community. He also provided aid to the sick and needy, and advocated for the humane treatment of enslaved people. His efforts at evangelization were also widely recognized.

His life and works were later the subject of historical and theological study. He was declared venerable by Pope John Paul II in 2002. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession, paving the way for his beatification. He was beatified on November 14, 2015, in Três Pontas.