Diocese of Puerto Iguazú
The Diocese of Puerto Iguazú, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in northern Argentina covering the department of Iguazú and surrounding areas in the province of Misiones. Erected on 16 November 2002 by Pope John Paul II, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Corrientes and serves a region known for its natural wonders including the Iguazu Falls. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Juan Carlos Ares, appointed in 2024. It plays a vital role in fostering Catholic faith among diverse communities in a frontier area bordering Brazil and Paraguay. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Puerto Iguazú
| Diocese: Diocese of Puerto Iguazú | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Corrientes |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Corrientes |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Misiones |
| Bishop: | Juan Carlos Ares |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisdepuertoiguazu.org.ar |
| Existence: | 2002– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Av. Victoria Aguirre 1500
Puerto Iguazú, Misiones 3370 Argentina |
Establishment
The Diocese of Puerto Iguazú was established on 16 November 2002 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the Iguazú region of Misiones, carved from territory previously under the Diocese of Posadas.
History
The diocese was created amid rapid population growth and tourism development around the Iguazu Falls. Its early years focused on establishing parishes and pastoral outreach in a border area with significant indigenous and migrant communities. No major boundary changes have occurred since its erection.
Geography
The diocese encompasses the Iguazú Department and adjacent territories in Misiones Province, Argentina. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Corrientes.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Puerto Iguazú) serves as the mother church, a modern structure dedicated to the Holy Spirit and located in the city of Puerto Iguazú.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Juan Carlos Ares has served since 2024. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Argentine see before his appointment to Puerto Iguazú.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marcelo Daniel Colombo | 2002–2014 | First bishop; transferred to La Rioja. |
| Juan Carlos Ares | 2024–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional traditional elements alongside contemporary outreach programs focused on both doctrinal formation and social needs in the border region.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 10,000 square kilometers and serves several thousand registered Catholics across a growing number of parishes.
Religious Communities
Limited religious communities are active, primarily supporting local parishes and education initiatives.
Parishes
The diocese comprises a number of parishes organized for pastoral care across its territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports several Catholic schools focused on primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Programs emphasize family support and assistance to migrants and tourists in the Iguazú area.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, reflecting the Church's attention to frontier regions in Latin America.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Puerto Iguazú:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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