Diocese of Chalatenango
The Diocese of Chalatenango, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Republic of El Salvador. Erected on 18 December 1987 by Pope John Paul II, it serves the northern region of the country within the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Oswaldo Estévez, who was appointed in 2020. It encompasses the Department of Chalatenango and plays a vital role in pastoral care amid a predominantly rural and historically challenged area.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Chalatenango
| Diocese: Diocese of Chalatenango | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of San Salvador |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of San Salvador |
| Country: | El Salvador |
| Region: | Chalatenango Department |
| Bishop: | Oswaldo Estévez |
| Existence: | 1987– |
Establishment
The Diocese of Chalatenango was established on 18 December 1987 by Pope John Paul II to better serve the Catholic faithful in the northern part of El Salvador, separating territory from the Archdiocese of San Salvador.
History
The diocese was created during a period of significant social and political transition in El Salvador following the civil war era. Its establishment reflected the Church's efforts to strengthen local pastoral presence in rural and mountainous regions.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire Chalatenango Department in northern El Salvador. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Chalatenango serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Oswaldo Estévez has served as bishop since 2020.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gregorio Rosa Chávez | 1987–1995 | First bishop; later named auxiliary bishop of San Salvador. |
| Romeo Tovar Astorga | 1996–2000 | Transferred to another see. |
| Luis Morao | 2000–2004 | Served briefly before reassignment. |
| Eduardo Alas Alfaro | 2004–2010 | Oversaw pastoral initiatives. |
| Oswaldo Estévez | 2020–present | Current bishop. |
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in the Chalatenango Department.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving local communities.
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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