 From 1962 to 1965, he attended the Second Vatican Council, and was recognized as one of the leading conservative prelates during the 1960s and 1970s.However, Scherer did support the succession of the left-wing João Goulart as President of Brazil following the resignation of Jânio Quadros, in accord with the constitutional rules.Pope Paul VI created him Cardinal Priest of "Nostra Signora de La Salette" in the consistory of April 28, 1969.