Diocese of Merlo-Moreno
The Diocese of Merlo-Moreno, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western suburbs of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Erected on 13 March 1997 by Pope John Paul II, it serves a rapidly growing Catholic population in the Greater Buenos Aires area. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mercedes-Luján, the diocese ministers through numerous parishes and emphasizes evangelization in urban and suburban communities. Its establishment reflects the Church’s response to demographic shifts in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Merlo-Moreno
| Diocese: Diocese of Merlo-Moreno | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Mercedes-Luján |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Mercedes-Luján |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Buenos Aires Province |
| Bishop: | Jorge Martín Torres Carbonell |
| Existence: | 1997– |
| Rating: | 3.0 |
| Chancery Address: | Joly 2642, B1744 Moreno, Buenos Aires |
Establishment
The Diocese of Merlo-Moreno was established on 13 March 1997 by Pope John Paul II to serve the expanding Catholic communities in the western suburbs of Buenos Aires. It was formed from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and the Diocese of Morón.
History
The diocese was created amid rapid urbanization and population growth in the Greater Buenos Aires region during the late twentieth century. Since its erection, it has focused on establishing new parishes and pastoral initiatives to meet the spiritual needs of its faithful.
Geography
The diocese covers parts of the western suburbs of Buenos Aires Province, including the cities of Merlo and Moreno and surrounding areas.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Merlo serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Jorge Martín Torres Carbonell has served as bishop since 2014.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando María Bargalló | 1997–2002 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Juan José Chaparro Stivanello | 2003–2014 | Served until appointment elsewhere. |
| Jorge Martín Torres Carbonell | 2014–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.0) in its liturgical and pastoral practices.
Statistics
The diocese serves a large Catholic population across its territory in western Greater Buenos Aires.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders assist in parish ministry and education within the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes organized to serve local communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in its territory.
Community Outreach
Pastoral programs address the social and spiritual needs of the faithful.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected by Pope John Paul II in 1997 to respond to pastoral needs in the region.
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
External Links
- [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Mercedes-Luján]