Archdiocese of Salta
The Archdiocese of Salta, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in northern Argentina. Established as a diocese in 1806 by Pope Pius VII and elevated to archdiocesan status in 1934, it serves as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Salta. The archdiocese encompasses the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, guiding a Catholic community rooted in centuries of evangelization amid the Andean region. Its current archbishop is Mario Antonio Cargnello, appointed in 1999.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Salta
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Salta | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Salta |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Catamarca; Diocese of Humahuaca; Diocese of Jujuy; Diocese of Orán |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Salta Province |
| Bishop: | Mario Antonio Cargnello |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesisdesalta.org.ar |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Existence: | 1806– |
| Rating: | 4.0 |
| Chancery Address: | Caseros 561, Salta, Argentina |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Salta traces its origins to the Diocese of Salta, erected on 17 February 1806 by Pope Pius VII from territory previously under the Diocese of Córdoba. It was created to serve the growing Catholic population in the northwestern region of what is now Argentina during the late colonial period.
History
The see began as a missionary outpost in the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Following Argentine independence, it expanded its pastoral reach. In 1934 it was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese by Pope Pius XI, assuming oversight of several suffragan dioceses in the Andean northwest.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the civil provinces of Salta and Jujuy in northern Argentina. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Salta.
Mother Church
The Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle in the city of Salta serves as the mother church. The neoclassical structure dates from the 19th century and houses the remains of several early bishops.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Mario Antonio Cargnello has served as archbishop since 1999. A native of the region, he previously served as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nicolás Videla del Castillo | 1807–1819 | First bishop; died in office. |
| Juan Ignacio de la Madrid | 1824–1829 | Resigned. |
| José Agustín Molina | 1830–1834 | Died in office. |
| José María de la Torre | 1836–1844 | Died in office. |
| José Vicente de la Torre | 1845–1854 | Died in office. |
| Buenaventura Risso Patrón | 1855–1866 | Died in office. |
| José María Achával | 1868–1873 | Transferred. |
| Federico de la Torre | 1874–1882 | Died in office. |
| Juan José de la Torre | 1883–1898 | Died in office. |
| Miguel de Andrea | 1899–1910 | Transferred to La Plata. |
| José María Bottaro | 1911–1926 | Died in office. |
| Roberto José Tavella | 1927–1942 | Died in office. |
| Pedro de la Rosa | 1943–1954 | Died in office. |
| Manuel Tato | 1955–1961 | Transferred. |
| Carlos Mariano Pérez | 1962–1979 | Retired. |
| Moisés Julio Blanchoud | 1980–1999 | Retired. |
| Mario Antonio Cargnello | 1999–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 4.0), maintaining traditional liturgical practices including regular celebrations of the Extraordinary Form in the cathedral and several parishes, while balancing social outreach programs with strong emphasis on doctrinal fidelity and family life.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 150,000 square kilometers and serves over 1.2 million registered Catholics.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians conduct educational and youth ministry throughout the archdiocese.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises more than 100 parishes organized into several deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
Numerous Catholic schools operate under the archdiocese, providing primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs address poverty, health care, and migration assistance in the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese preserves strong devotion to Our Lady of the Miracle, whose image is venerated in the cathedral.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Salta:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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