Diocese of Chitré
The Diocese of Chitré, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in Panama. Founded in 1993 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Rafael Valdivieso Miranda as of 2013. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Panama, the diocese serves the faithful in the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, supporting Catholic life in a region with deep historical ties to the faith. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Chitré
| Diocese: Diocese of Chitré | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Panama |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Panama |
| Country: | Panama |
| Region: | Herrera |
| Bishop: | Rafael Valdivieso Miranda |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisdechitre.org/ |
| Existence: | 1993– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Chitré, Herrera, Panama |
Establishment
The Diocese of Chitré was established on 19 June 1993 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the central provinces of Panama, separating territory from the Archdiocese of Panama.
History
Early Years
The diocese was created to better serve the pastoral needs of Herrera and Los Santos provinces, with its first bishop overseeing the organization of parishes and ministries in the newly erected see.
Geography
The diocese covers the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos in central Panama. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Panama.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Chitré serves as the diocese’s mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Rafael Valdivieso Miranda has served since 2013.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José María Carrizo Villarreal | 1993–2013 | First Bishop of Chitré; retired. |
| Rafael Valdivieso Miranda | 2013–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal emphasis on traditional teachings and community outreach under steady episcopal leadership.
Statistics
The diocese serves the Catholic population across its two provinces.
Religious Communities
Religious communities active in the diocese support parish ministry and education.
Parishes
The diocese includes numerous parishes organized to serve local communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on charitable works and family support.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected to strengthen pastoral care in central Panama.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Chitré:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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