Archdiocese of Mendoza
The Archdiocese of Mendoza, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in west-central Argentina. Established in 1934 by Pope Pius XI and elevated to archdiocesan rank in 1961, it serves as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Mendoza and oversees a Catholic population across the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan. Led by Archbishop Marcelo Daniel Colombo since 2021, the archdiocese maintains a balanced pastoral approach amid a historically Catholic region with growing secular influences. A notable aspect is its role in preserving traditional devotions such as the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of San Nicolás.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Mendoza
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Mendoza | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Mendoza |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of San Rafael; Diocese of San Juan de Cuyo |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Mendoza |
| Bishop: | Marcelo Daniel Colombo |
| Website: | https://www.arquimendoza.org.ar/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 180 |
| Existence: | 1934– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Av. San Martín 1234
Mendoza, Mendoza 5500 Argentina |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Mendoza was erected as a diocese on 20 February 1934 by Pope Pius XI from territory previously part of the Archdiocese of Córdoba and the Diocese of San Juan de Cuyo. It was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 12 August 1961 by Pope John XXIII.
History
Early Years
The territory that now forms the archdiocese saw early Catholic evangelization in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish missionaries. The see was formally established to meet the pastoral needs of the growing population in the Cuyo region.
Elevation and Modern Era
Following its elevation to archdiocese in 1961, the see experienced steady growth in parishes and institutions. Boundary adjustments occurred in subsequent decades to accommodate population shifts.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the entire province of Mendoza together with portions of neighboring San Juan province. It forms the metropolitan province that includes the suffragan sees of San Rafael and San Juan de Cuyo.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in the city of Mendoza serves as the mother church. Constructed in neoclassical style and consecrated in the 19th century, it houses the remains of several former bishops.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Marcelo Daniel Colombo has served as metropolitan archbishop since 2021. He previously served as bishop of La Rioja.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Aníbal Verdaguer y Corominas | 1934–1940 | First bishop; transferred to San Juan de Cuyo. |
| Alfonso María Buteler | 1940–1961 | Elevated see to archdiocese in 1961. |
| Humberto Sosa Molina | 1962–1963 | Brief tenure. |
| Olimpo Santiago Maresma | 1963–1979 | Oversaw post-conciliar renewal. |
| José Miguel Medina | 1979–1996 | Retired. |
| José María Arancibia | 1996–2014 | Retired. |
| Carlos María Franzini | 2014–2018 | Died in office. |
| Marcelo Daniel Colombo | 2021–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with regular celebration of the ordinary form of the Mass alongside occasional traditional practices, equal emphasis on doctrinal fidelity and social outreach programs, and leadership focused on pastoral unity.
Statistics
The archdiocese encompasses approximately 150,000 square kilometers and serves roughly 1.2 million registered Catholics in 120 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians conduct educational and youth ministry programs throughout the archdiocese.
Parishes
The archdiocese is divided into eight deaneries containing a total of 120 parishes.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates 45 elementary schools and 12 secondary schools.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in need across the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese hosted the first regional Eucharistic Congress of Cuyo in 1955.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Mendoza:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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