Archdiocese of Buenos Aires
The Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, a metropolitan see of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in Argentina. Founded in 1620 by Pope Paul V, it serves as the principal ecclesiastical jurisdiction for the city of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. It is currently led by Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva, appointed in 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Buenos Aires, the archdiocese plays a central role in the Catholic life of the nation and was the see of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio before his election as Pope Francis. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Buenos Aires
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Buenos Aires | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Buenos Aires |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Avellaneda-Lanús; Diocese of Gregorio de Laferrère; Diocese of Lomas de Zamora; Diocese of Morón; Diocese of Quilmes; Diocese of San Isidro; Diocese of San Justo; Diocese of San Martín; Diocese of San Miguel; Diocese of San Vicente |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Buenos Aires |
| Bishop: | Jorge García Cuerva |
| Website: | https://www.arzbaires.org.ar/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Existence: | 1620– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Suipacha 1034 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Buenos Aires was established on 14 April 1620 by Pope Paul V as the Diocese of Buenos Aires, carved from the territory of the Diocese of Asunción. It was elevated to archdiocesan status on 5 March 1866 by Pope Pius IX.
History
The see developed rapidly after its founding amid Spanish colonial expansion in the Río de la Plata region. Key milestones include its elevation to an archdiocese in 1866 and the construction of the current Metropolitan Cathedral in the 19th century. The archdiocese hosted significant events such as the 1934 International Eucharistic Congress.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and parts of Greater Buenos Aires in Argentina. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Buenos Aires.
Mother Church
The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the mother church, a neoclassical structure located in the Plaza de Mayo that houses the tomb of General José de San Martín.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva has served since 2023. He previously served as Bishop of Río Gallegos.
Auxiliary Bishops
Auxiliary bishops currently serving include several appointed to assist in the pastoral care of the archdiocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Carranza | 1620–1632 | First bishop |
| Cristóbal de la Mancha y Velasco | 1635–1641 | |
| Cristóbal de la Mancha y Velasco | 1641–1673 | |
| Antonio de Azcona Imbert | 1676–1700 | |
| Gabriel de Arregui | 1712–1716 | |
| Pedro Fajardo | 1722–1725 | |
| Juan de Sarricolea y Olea | 1727–1736 | |
| José de Peralta | 1738–1743 | |
| José Antonio Gutiérrez de Ceballos | 1746–1749 | |
| José Antonio de Mello | 1750–1758 | |
| Manuel Antonio de la Torre | 1758–1764 | |
| José Antonio de San Alberto | 1778–1784 | |
| Sebastián Malvar y Pinto | 1785–1795 | |
| Pedro Inocencio Bejarano | 1797–1801 | |
| Benito de Lué y Riega | 1802–1812 | |
| Mariano Medrano y Cabrera | 1829–1851 | |
| Mariano José de Escalada | 1854–1870 | Elevated to archbishop |
| Federico León Aneiros | 1873–1894 | |
| Uladislao Castellano | 1895–1900 | |
| Mariano Antonio Espinosa | 1900–1923 | |
| José María Bottaro | 1926–1932 | |
| Santiago Luis Copello | 1932–1959 | First cardinal of Argentina |
| Fermín Emilio Lafitte | 1959–1969 | |
| Juan Carlos Aramburu | 1975–1990 | |
| Antonio Quarracino | 1990–1998 | |
| Jorge Mario Bergoglio | 1998–2013 | Elected Pope Francis |
| Mario Aurelio Poli | 2013–2023 | |
| Jorge García Cuerva | 2023–present | Current archbishop |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with traditional liturgical practices alongside active social outreach programs.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves millions of Catholics across numerous parishes in the capital region.
Religious Communities
Numerous religious orders serve in education, healthcare, and parish ministry.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises hundreds of parishes organized into multiple deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese oversees a network of Catholic schools.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and other programs provide extensive social services.
Notable Events or Figures
- Pope Francis served as archbishop from 1998 to 2013.
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
External Links
- Official website
- [Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral]