Diocese of Potosí
The Diocese of Potosí, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the Bolivian department of Potosí. Erected on 11 January 1963 by Pope John XXIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Sucre and serves a predominantly indigenous and mining-region population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Marco Antonio Solís, appointed in 2021, and maintains its pastoral focus on evangelization amid challenging high-altitude terrain. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Potosí
| Diocese: Diocese of Potosí | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Sucre |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Sucre |
| Country: | Bolivia |
| Region: | Potosí |
| Bishop: | Marco Antonio Solís |
| Existence: | 1963– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | null |
Establishment
The Diocese of Potosí was established on 11 January 1963 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the southern Bolivian highlands, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Sucre.
History
Early Years
Following its erection, the diocese focused on establishing parishes and missions in remote mining communities and rural areas of the Potosí region.
Modern Era
The diocese has continued to develop pastoral structures while addressing social challenges associated with the historic silver-mining economy of the area.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire Potosí Department in southern Bolivia, including numerous municipalities and rural provinces within the high Andes.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Augustine in the city of Potosí serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Marco Antonio Solís has served as bishop since 2021.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bernardino Rivera Álvarez | 1963–1983 | First bishop; founded initial parishes. |
| Edmundo Abastoflor Montero | 1983–1993 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of La Paz. |
| Walter Pérez Villamonte | 1993–1998 | Resigned. |
| Jesús Juárez Párraga | 1998–2013 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Sucre. |
| Ricardo Centellas Guzmán | 2013–2020 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Sucre. |
| Marco Antonio Solís | 2021–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside attention to both traditional devotions and social outreach programs suited to the local mining communities.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across the Potosí Department with multiple parishes and missions.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include various missionary congregations focused on education and pastoral care.
Parishes
| Diocese of Potosí |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes throughout the Potosí Department.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools serving local communities.
Community Outreach
Programs include support for families in mining areas and rural evangelization efforts.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese continues the long Catholic tradition in the historic city of Potosí, once a major center of Spanish colonial evangelization.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Potosí:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Sucre]