Archdiocese of Popayán
The Diocese of Popayán, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese located in the city of Popayán, Colombia. Founded in 1551 by Pope Julius III, it was elevated to an archdiocese in 1964 by Pope Paul VI. The archdiocese serves the departments of Cauca, Huila, and Nariño in southwestern Colombia. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Popayán, the archdiocese plays a significant role in the Catholic Church in Colombia, with a rich history and cultural influence. A notable aspect is its stunning cathedral, the Popayán Cathedral, a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Popayán
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Popayán | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Popayán |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Ipiales; Diocese of Pasto; Diocese of Tumaco |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Cauca |
| Bishop: | Oscar Urbina Ortega |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesispopayan.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 80.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 10 |
| Priests: | 150 |
| Existence: | 1551– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Popayán |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 4 # 5-45, Popayán, Cauca |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Popayán was established on August 1, 1551, by Pope Julius III to serve the growing Catholic population in the region. The diocese was initially a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Santafé en Nueva Granada and was later elevated to an archdiocese on December 20, 1964, by Pope Paul VI.
History
The archdiocese has a rich history, with the first bishop, Juan Valle, being appointed in 1561. Over the centuries, the archdiocese has played a significant role in the Catholic Church in Colombia, with many notable bishops and events. In 1985, the archdiocese was visited by Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass in the city of Popayán.
Geography
The archdiocese spans the departments of Cauca, Huila, and Nariño in southwestern Colombia. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Popayán and includes the following deaneries:
- Popayán
- Cali
- Pasto
- Ipiales
- Tumaco
- Santander de Quilichao
- Piendamó
- Morales
- La Plata
- Garzón
Mother Church
The Popayán Cathedral, located in the city of Popayán, serves as the mother church of the archdiocese. The cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and was built in the 16th century.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Oscar Urbina Ortega has served as the archbishop of Popayán since 1999. A former bishop of the Diocese of Quibdó, he has focused on social justice and education.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Valle | 1561-1574 | First Bishop of Popayán |
| Francisco de Simón | 1574-1585 | Second Bishop of Popayán |
| Pedro de Arias | 1585-1592 | Third Bishop of Popayán |
| Juan de La Roca | 1592-1596 | Fourth Bishop of Popayán |
| Diego de Medellín | 1596-1601 | Fifth Bishop of Popayán |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social teachings alongside traditional issues. The archbishop has a moderate stance, and the diocese is known for its strong Catholic heritage.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 17,682 square miles (45,795 km²), serves 1.5 million registered Catholics across 150 parishes, and has a total population of 2.5 million.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate several schools and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle 4 # 5-45, Popayán, Cauca.
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including the Hospital San José. Address: Calle 10 # 5-50, Popayán, Cauca.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Popayán (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesispopayan.org
- Phone: (2) 822 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Popayán |
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The archdiocese has 150 parishes across 10 deaneries, with a diverse range of cultural and spiritual activities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 50 schools, including:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San José | Popayán | High School | Colegio San José |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese provides community service programs, including the Caritas Colombia, which serves over 10,000 people annually.
Notable Events or Figures
- In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited the archdiocese, drawing over 100,000 attendees.
- The archdiocese is home to the shrine of the Virgin of Las Lajas, a popular pilgrimage site.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Popayán:
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Diocesan photos
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