Overview

• In a plenary address on Thursday, the 67-year-old justice said it was his final session and that he will remain only briefly to resolve pending cases.
• He framed the decision as long planned and personal, citing the toll on his family and a desire to pursue new directions, and noted he told Lula of the possibility about two years ago.
• Reports point to Attorney General Jorge Messias as the leading contender for the vacancy, with Rodrigo Pacheco, Bruno Dantas, Vinícius Carvalho and Maria Elizabeth Rocha also mentioned.
• The nomination will be Lula’s third this term, and the process requires a Constitution and Justice Committee hearing followed by a secret-ballot vote of at least 41 senators in the full chamber.
• Barroso recently concluded his term as court president, could have served until 2033, and said he would like a woman to succeed him on a bench that currently has only one female justice.