Diocese of Penonomé

The Diocese of Penonomé, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving the Catholic faithful in the province of Coclé in Panama. Established on 6 July 1995 by Pope John Paul II, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Panamá and supports evangelization and pastoral care across its territory. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Rafael Valdivieso Miranda, who has served since 2013. It contributes to the growth of the Catholic Church in a region marked by both rural communities and expanding urban centers.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Penonomé

Diocese: Diocese of Penonomé
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Panamá
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Panamá
Country:	Panama
Region:	Coclé Province
Bishop:	Rafael Valdivieso Miranda
Existence:	1995–
Chancery Address:	Penonomé, Panama

Establishment

The Diocese of Penonomé was erected on 6 July 1995 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in Coclé Province, drawing territory from the Archdiocese of Panamá.

History

The diocese was created amid the reorganization of the Catholic Church in Panama during the late twentieth century. Its establishment reflected the need for more localized pastoral oversight in central Panama. Since its founding, the diocese has focused on strengthening parishes and promoting vocations in both rural and developing areas.

Geography

The diocese covers the entire province of Coclé in central Panama. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Panamá.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Penonomé serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Rafael Valdivieso Miranda has served as bishop since 2013.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán, O.A.R.	1995–1999	First Bishop of Penonomé; transferred to David.
Fernando Torres Durán	2000–2012	Second Bishop of Penonomé; retired.
Rafael Valdivieso Miranda	2013–present	Current Bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced approach consistent with mainstream Catholic practice in Panama.

Statistics

The diocese serves the Catholic population of Coclé Province.

Religious Communities

No major religious communities are currently documented in available sources.

Parishes

The diocese comprises multiple parishes across Coclé Province.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic education through parish-based programs and schools.

Community Outreach

The diocese engages in charitable works and social services in coordination with national Catholic initiatives.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was established in 1995 as part of the expansion of the Church structure in Panama.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Penonomé:

Did you know? The Diocese of Penonomé was erected in 1995 by Pope John Paul II to better serve the faithful of Coclé Province.

Surprise! Its first bishop, José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán, later became the bishop of the neighboring Diocese of David.

Here's something cool: The mother church is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, located in the historic city of Penonomé.

Wow moment: The diocese covers all of Coclé Province, blending coastal, mountainous, and agricultural communities.

Little-known gem: Bishop Rafael Valdivieso Miranda has led the diocese since 2013, guiding its pastoral growth.

Fun fact: The diocese continues the long Catholic heritage of Panama, which dates back to the earliest days of evangelization in the Americas.

Did you know? Penonomé itself is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Panama, adding historic depth to the see.

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Associated saints

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Religious orders

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Diocesan photos

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External Links

• Archdiocese of Panamá (metropolitan)