Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese encompassing the Federal District and the state of Miranda in Venezuela. Founded in 1531 by Pope Clement VII, it is led by Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Caracas, the archdiocese serves a diverse Catholic community in the capital region, with 134 parishes and 25 deaneries. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in Venezuela.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Caracas |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Guarenas; Diocese of La Guaira; Diocese of Los Teques |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| Region: | Federal District and Miranda |
| Bishop: | Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 25 |
| Priests: | 200 |
| Existence: | 1531– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle La Guaira, Caracas 1010, Venezuela |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela was established on June 21, 1531, by Pope Clement VII to serve the growing Catholic population in the region, splitting from the Diocese of Santo Domingo.[1]
History
Early Years
Founded in 1531, the archdiocese served the colonial capital of Venezuela under Bishop Rodrigo de Bastidas. [2]
Modern Era
Elevated to an archdiocese in 1803, its territory was adjusted several times, with the Diocese of Guarenas and the Diocese of La Guaira being established from its territory.[3]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the Federal District and the state of Miranda, including:
- Miranda
- Federal District
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Caracas.[4]
Mother Church
Cathedral of Santiago de Venezuela in Caracas, a beautiful structure built in the 17th century, serves as the archdiocese’s mother church.[5]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo has served since 2008. A former bishop of Mérida, he focuses on social justice and education.[6]
Auxiliary Bishops
Auxiliary Bishop Jesús González de Zárate Salas has served since 2007. Previously a parish priest, he oversees pastoral care and evangelization.[7]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo de Bastidas | 1531–1541 | First Bishop of Venezuela. |
| Miguel Jerónimo de Céspedes | 1542–1545 | Transferred to Panamá. |
| Juan de Simancas Simancas | 1545–1552 | Died in office. |
| Pedro de Agreda | 1553–1561 | Resigned. |
| Francisco de la Cueva | 1561–1562 | Died in office. |
| Pedro de San Martín | 1562–1566 | Died in office. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and archdiocesan records.[8]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering Latin Masses occasionally in select parishes, emphasizing social outreach like poverty programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a cardinal with a balanced stance.[9]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 10,731 km², serves 4,800,000 registered Catholics across 134 parishes, and has a total population of 5,200,000.[10]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate schools and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle La Guaira, Caracas 1010, Venezuela.[11] Jesuitas en Venezuela
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including hospitals. Address: Calle La Guaira, Caracas 1010, Venezuela.[12] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve
- Phone: (0212) 481-0111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: September 1, 2023
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela, covering the Federal District and the state of Miranda, is a vibrant archdiocese established in 1531 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 134 parishes across 25 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The archdiocese includes a Maronite Rite parish and hosts pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[13]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 50 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San Ignacio | Caracas | High School | Colegio San Ignacio[14] |
Community Outreach
[Program Name] provides [services] to [N] people annually.[15]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 1996, Pope John Paul II visited, drawing 1,000,000 attendees.[16] Saint Rosa de Lima, a former resident, shaped early theology.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas". https://arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bporras.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesús González de Zárate Salas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bgonza.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Caracas, Santiago de Venezuela". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcarc.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Venezuela". https://www.jesuitasvenezuela.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Colegio San Ignacio". https://www.colegiosanignacio.edu.ve/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Servicios". https://arquidiocesisdecaracas.org.ve/servicios/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Address to the Bishops of Venezuela". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/travels/1996/feb-07-1996/address-to-the-bishops-of-venezuela.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.