Archdiocese of Piura
The Diocese of Piura, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of Piura in Peru. Founded in 1940 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop José Antonio Eguren Anselmi as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Piura, the archdiocese serves a diverse Catholic community in northwestern Peru, with 94 parishes and 15 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Piura
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Piura | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Piura |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Chachapoyas; Diocese of Chiclayo; Diocese of Chulucanas |
| Country: | Peru |
| Region: | Piura |
| Bishop: | José Antonio Eguren Anselmi |
| Website: | https://arzobispadopiura.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 10 |
| Priests: | 150 |
| Existence: | 1940– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Trujillo |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Jr. Ayacucho 361, Piura |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Piura was established on October 29, 1966, by Pope Paul VI, elevating the Diocese of Piura to an archdiocese, which was originally founded on January 29, 1940, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Piura Region, splitting from the Diocese of Trujillo.[1]
History
The Diocese of Piura was initially led by Bishop Fortunato Chellar Peretti, who played a crucial role in shaping the diocese's early development. In 1966, the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese, with Archbishop Erasmo Hinojosa Hurtado as its first archbishop. The archdiocese has since continued to grow, with a focus on social outreach, education, and the preservation of traditional Catholic practices.
Geography
The Archdiocese of Piura spans the Piura Region in northwestern Peru, covering an area of approximately 33,510 square kilometers. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Piura and includes the provinces of Piura, Sullana, and Talara. The archdiocese is divided into 10 deaneries, each comprising several parishes and missions.
Mother Church
The Piura Cathedral, a stunning example of Peruvian colonial architecture, serves as the archdiocese's mother church. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral has undergone several renovations and restorations, with the most recent one completed in 2010.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop José Antonio Eguren Anselmi has served as the Archbishop of Piura since 2006. A former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Lima, he has focused on promoting social justice, education, and the preservation of traditional Catholic practices.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fortunato Chellar Peretti | 1940–1953 | First Bishop of Piura. |
| Carlos Alberto Arce Masías | 1954–1957 | Transferred to the Diocese of Huancayo. |
| Erasmo Hinojosa Hurtado | 1958–1977 | Elevated to Archbishop of Piura in 1966. |
| Oscar Rolando Cantuarias Pastor | 1978–1982 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Piura as Coadjutor Archbishop. |
| Oscar Rolando Cantuarias Pastor | 1982–2006 | Served as Archbishop of Piura until his retirement. |
| José Antonio Eguren Anselmi | 2006–present | Current Archbishop of Piura. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[2]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Archdiocese of Piura leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach, and led by an archbishop with a moderate stance.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 33,510 square kilometers, serves approximately 1.5 million Catholics across 94 parishes, and has a total population of around 1.8 million. The archdiocese includes 15 missions, 50 Catholic elementary schools, and 20 Catholic high schools.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate several schools and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Jr. Ayacucho 361, Piura.[3] Jesuits
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including the Hospital Santa Rosa in Piura. Address: Av. Sullana 105, Piura.[4] Sisters of Charity
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Piura (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Rivadeneyra
- Email: vocations@arzobispadopiura.org
- Phone: (073) 321-111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Piura |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Piura, covering the Piura Region, is a vibrant Catholic community established in 1940 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 94 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 Catholic elementary schools and 20 Catholic high schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Santa Rosa | Piura | High School | Colegio Santa Rosa[5] |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese's community outreach programs, including the Caritas Piura, provide social services to over 10,000 people annually.[6]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2018, the archdiocese hosted the Peruvian Catholic Youth Day, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[7]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Piura:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Piura". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpiur.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Piura". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpiur.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Jesuits in Peru". https://www.jesuitas.pe/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Hospital Santa Rosa". https://www.hospitalsantarosa.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Colegio Santa Rosa". https://www.colegiosantarosa.edu.pe/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Caritas Piura". https://www.caritaspiura.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Jornada Jóvenes Católicos Peruanos". https://www.arzobispadopiura.org/noticias/jornada-jovenes-catolicos-peruanos. Retrieved 2025-06-03.