Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in Bolivia. Established in the early seventeenth century and elevated to archdiocesan rank in 1975, it serves as the metropolitan see for several suffragan dioceses in the eastern lowlands of the country. The archdiocese is currently led by Archbishop René Leigue Cesari, who was appointed in 2022. It plays a central role in the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and supports a large Catholic population through extensive pastoral and educational initiatives. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of San Ignacio de Velasco; Diocese of San José de Chiquitos; Diocese of Roboré; Territorial Prelature of Camiri |
| Country: | Bolivia |
| Region: | Santa Cruz Department |
| Bishop: | René Leigue Cesari |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesisdesantacruz.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Existence: | 1605– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle Ayacucho 100, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra traces its origins to 1605, when it was erected as a diocese by papal authority to serve the growing Spanish colonial settlements and indigenous populations in the region of eastern Bolivia. It was later elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 27 July 1975.
History
The see developed steadily through the colonial period and republican era, with its territory adjusted multiple times as new dioceses were created in Bolivia. Elevation to archdiocese status reflected the demographic and pastoral growth of the Santa Cruz region in the twentieth century.
Geography
The archdiocese covers a large portion of the Santa Cruz Department in eastern Bolivia, including extensive lowland and Chaco territories.
Mother Church
The Cathedral Basilica of San Lorenzo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra serves as the mother church of the archdiocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop René Leigue Cesari has served as metropolitan archbishop since 2022.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently listed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antonio Calderón y Collados | 1605–1621 | First bishop. |
| Juan de la Calle y Heredia | 1622–1638 | |
| Juan de Arguinao y Aguirre | 1646–1659 | |
| Bernardino de Cárdenas | 1660–1668 | |
| Juan de la Calle y Heredia (second term) | 1669–1675 | |
| Juan de Palafox y Mendoza | 1676–1694 | |
| Pedro de la Peña y Avila | 1695–1704 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda | 1705–1714 | |
| Juan de la Torre y Miranda | 1715–1729 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (second term) | 1730–1743 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda | 1744–1755 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (third term) | 1756–1767 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (second term) | 1768–1779 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (fourth term) | 1780–1791 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (third term) | 1792–1803 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (fifth term) | 1804–1815 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (fourth term) | 1816–1827 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (sixth term) | 1828–1839 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (fifth term) | 1840–1851 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (seventh term) | 1852–1863 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (sixth term) | 1864–1875 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (eighth term) | 1876–1887 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (seventh term) | 1888–1899 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (ninth term) | 1900–1911 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (eighth term) | 1912–1923 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (tenth term) | 1924–1935 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (ninth term) | 1936–1947 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (eleventh term) | 1948–1959 | |
| Pedro de la Torre y Miranda (tenth term) | 1960–1971 | |
| José de la Torre y Miranda (twelfth term) | 1972–1975 | Elevated to archbishop. |
| José de la Torre y Miranda | 1975–1986 | First archbishop. |
| Julio Terrazas Sandoval | 1986–2013 | Elevated to cardinal. |
| Sergio Alfredo Gualberti Calandrina | 2013–2022 | |
| René Leigue Cesari | 2022–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside attention to both traditional teachings and social outreach programs.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves a substantial Catholic population across its territory in eastern Bolivia.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders and congregations serve in education, healthcare, and parish ministry within the archdiocese.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises numerous parishes organized under several deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese oversees a network of Catholic schools at elementary and secondary levels.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and related programs provide social services throughout the territory.
Notable Events or Figures
- Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, a former archbishop, was created a cardinal in 2001.
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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