Archdiocese of Quito
The Diocese of Quito, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese encompassing the province of Pichincha in Ecuador. Founded in 1545 by Pope Paul III, it is led by Archbishop Alfredo Espinoza Mateus as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito, the archdiocese serves a diverse Catholic community in the Andean highlands, with 225 parishes and 15 deaneries. A notable aspect is its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Quito
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Quito | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Quito |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Ambato; Diocese of Ibarra; Diocese of Latacunga; Diocese of Tulcán |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Pichincha |
| Bishop: | Alfredo Espinoza Mateus |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 15 |
| Priests: | 300 |
| Existence: | 1545– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle García Moreno 1423, Quito, Ecuador |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Quito was established on January 8, 1545, by Pope Paul III to serve the growing Catholic population in the Spanish colonies of South America, splitting from the Diocese of Cuenca.[1]
History
Early Years
Founded in 1545, the archdiocese served the Viceroyalty of Peru under Bishop García Díaz Arias.[2]
Modern Era
Elevated to an archdiocese in 1849, its territory was divided to form the Diocese of Ibarra.[3]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the province of Pichincha, including:
- Quito
- Cumbayá
- Tumbaco
- Puembo
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito.[4]
Mother Church
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito in Quito, a Gothic-style structure built in the 16th century, serves as the archdiocese’s mother church.[5]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Alfredo Espinoza Mateus has served since 2019. A former auxiliary bishop, he focuses on social outreach and education.[6]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| García Díaz Arias | 1546–1562 | First Bishop of Quito. |
| Pedro de la Peña | 1565–1583 | Oversaw the construction of the Quito Cathedral. |
| Luis López de Solís | 1584–1606 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Lima. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering Latin Masses in select parishes, emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 11,167 square miles (28,920 km²), serves 2,500,000 registered Catholics across 225 parishes, and has a total population of 3,000,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle García Moreno 1423, Quito, Ecuador.[9] Jesuits
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Quito (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Avilés
- Email: vocaciones@arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec
- Phone: (02) 228-1144
- 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 Quito, covering the province of Pichincha, is a vibrant and diverse archdiocese established in 1545 within the Latin Rite. It serves Catholic communities through 225 parishes across 15 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The archdiocese includes a number of historic churches and pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[10]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 50 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San Gabriel | Quito | High School | Colegio San Gabriel[11] |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese provides social services through Cáritas Ecuador, serving over 10,000 people annually.[12]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited Quito, drawing over 1 million attendees.[13]
- Saint Mariana de Jesús, a former nun, was canonized in 1950 and is the patron saint of Ecuador.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Quito:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Quito". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dquit.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Historia". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/historia/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocese of Ibarra". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dibarra.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/parroquias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catedral Metropolitana de Quito". https://www.catedraldequito.ec/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/obispo/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Quito". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador". https://www.puce.edu.ec/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.arquidiocesisdequito.org.ec/parroquias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Colegio San Gabriel". https://www.colegiosangabriel.edu.ec/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Cáritas Ecuador". https://www.caritasecuador.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Journey to Mexico and Belize". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/travels/1985/mexico-1985.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.