João Manuel (bishop of Guarda)

João Manuel (birthdate unknown, died 1578) was a Portuguese prelate who served as Bishop of Guarda from 1568 to 1578.

Details of his early life and career prior to his appointment are scarce. He ascended to the episcopal see of Guarda, a diocese located in the Beira Alta province of Portugal, in 1568. His tenure coincided with a period of significant religious and political activity in Portugal, including the early years of the reign of King Sebastian I.

During his episcopate, Bishop João Manuel was responsible for the spiritual administration of the Diocese of Guarda, overseeing its parishes, clergy, and religious institutions. He would have been involved in implementing the decrees of the Council of Trent, which aimed to reform the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation. He likely participated in synods and other gatherings of Portuguese clergy.

Bishop João Manuel died in 1578. His successor as Bishop of Guarda was Manuel de Seabra. Further biographical details beyond his role as Bishop of Guarda are currently limited, suggesting the need for further historical research.