Archdiocese of Guayaquil
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Guayaquil, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Guayas Province in Ecuador. Founded in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop Luis Cabrera Herrera as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Guayaquil, the archdiocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically diverse region, with 103 parishes and 15 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 10,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the country.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Guayaquil
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Guayaquil | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Metropolitan Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Guayaquil |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Babahoyo; Diocese of Daule; Diocese of San Jacinto |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Guayas Province |
| Bishop: | Luis Cabrera Herrera |
| Website: | https://arquiguayaquil.org.ec/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 10 |
| Priests: | 200 |
| Existence: | 1950– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Guayaquil |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle Chimborazo 1101 y García Moreno, Guayaquil, Ecuador |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil was established on July 29, 1950, by Pope Pius XII, elevating the previous Diocese of Guayaquil to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese. This decision was made to better serve the growing Catholic population in the region and to provide a stronger ecclesiastical presence in the country.
History
The history of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil dates back to the 16th century, when the first Catholic missionaries arrived in the region. Over the centuries, the diocese has played a significant role in the country's history, with many notable bishops and saints contributing to its development. In 1950, the diocese was elevated to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese, and since then, it has continued to grow and serve the Catholic community in the region.
Geography
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil spans the entire Guayas Province, including the cities of Guayaquil, Daule, and Babahoyo. The archdiocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Guayaquil and is a suffragan of the same province. The region is known for its diverse geography, with coastal plains, mountains, and forests, and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
Mother Church
The mother church of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil is the St. Peter's Cathedral, located in the city of Guayaquil. The cathedral is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and is one of the most important landmarks in the city.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Luis Cabrera Herrera has served as the Archbishop of Guayaquil since 2023. A former auxiliary bishop, he focuses on promoting social justice and evangelization in the archdiocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Cabrera Herrera | 2023–present | Current Archbishop |
| Antonio Arregui Yarza | 2015–2023 | Retired |
| Antonio José González Zumárraga | 2002–2015 | Retired |
| Juan Ignacio Larrea Holguín | 1989–2002 | Retired |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by an archbishop with a moderate stance.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 21,814 square kilometers, serves 3,500,000 registered Catholics across 103 parishes, and has a total population of 4,500,000. The archdiocese includes 15 missions and 200 priests.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle García Moreno 1101, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle Quito 1201, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Guayaquil (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@arquiguayaquil.org.ec
- Phone: (593) 4 232-3333
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, covering the entire Guayas Province, is a vibrant archdiocese established in 1950 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 103 parishes across 10 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 50 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San José | Guayaquil | High School | Colegio San José |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese provides community service programs, including food banks and healthcare services, to over 10,000 people annually.
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the archdiocese hosted the Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 10,000 participants.
- Saint Mariano de la Mata is the patron saint of the archdiocese.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Guayaquil:
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Diocesan photos
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