Diocese of Armenia
The Diocese of Armenia, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima departments in Colombia. Founded in 1984 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Carlos Arturo Quintero Gómez as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Pereira, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its coffee production and natural beauty, with 43 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural festivals, which draw thousands of participants annually, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Armenia
| Diocese: Diocese of Armenia | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Pereira |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Pereira |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima |
| Bishop: | Carlos Arturo Quintero Gómez |
| Website: | https://diocesisdearmenia.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 100 |
| Existence: | 1984– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Pereira |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 19 No. 13-44, Armenia, Quindío |
Establishment
The Diocese of Armenia was established on April 17, 1984, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima departments, splitting from the Diocese of Pereira.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first Catholic churches established in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church played a significant role in the region's development, with the diocese being formally established in 1984. The diocese has been led by several bishops, including its first bishop, José Roberto López Londoño.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima departments in Colombia, covering an area of approximately 12,500 square kilometers. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Pereira and includes 43 parishes and 12 missions.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción in Armenia, a beautiful example of modern architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Carlos Arturo Quintero Gómez has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Armenia since 2023. A former vicar general, he focuses on promoting social justice and evangelization in the region.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Roberto López Londoño | 1984-2013 | First Bishop of Armenia; retired. |
| Pablo Emiro Salas Anteliz | 2014-2020 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Barranquilla. |
| Carlos Arturo Quintero Gómez | 2023-present | Current Bishop of Armenia. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 12,500 square kilometers, serves 1.2 million registered Catholics across 43 parishes, and has a total population of 1.5 million.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 15 No. 14-50, Armenia, Quindío.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital in Armenia. Address: Calle 20 No. 13-30, Armenia, Quindío.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Armenia (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@diocesisdearmenia.org
- Phone: (6) 741-1111
- 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 Diocese of Armenia, covering the Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima departments, is a vibrant missionary diocese established in 1984 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 43 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a few parishes with special devotions, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instituto San José | Armenia | High School | Instituto San José[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's social outreach program provides services to over 10,000 people annually.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[14]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Armenia:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Armenia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/darmc.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/historia. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catedral". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/catedral. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/obispo. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocese of Armenia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/darmc.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/pastoral. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/estadisticas. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Instituto San José". https://www.institutosanjose.edu.co. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/pastoral. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://www.diocesisdearmenia.org/noticias. Retrieved 2025-06-03.