Israel

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Stored: Israel

Country: Israel
Historic:
Existence: –
Continent: Asia
Region: Middle East
Historical Region:
Area: 20770 km²
Population: 9600000
Catholic Population: 180000
Catholic Percentage: 1.9%
Catholicism Status: Small minority religion, Jewish state
Official Languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Capital: Jerusalem
Catholicism Introduced: 1st century AD
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Palestine
Predecessor States:
Successor States:


Israel is a Middle Eastern nation, covering approximately 20,770 km² with a population of about 9.6 million as of 2025.[1] Its official languages are Hebrew and Arabic, and its economy relies on technology, agriculture, and tourism. The Catholic Church, with approximately 180,000 adherents (1.9% of the population), is a small minority religion, ranking third after Judaism (73%) and Islam (18%), introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities.[2] Catholicism shapes Israel’s minority Christian culture through education, pilgrimage, and the patronage of Our Lady of Palestine.[3]

The Church, with one diocese and no ecclesiastical province, has a limited presence, mainly in Jerusalem and Nazareth, and faces challenges from Israel’s Jewish state policies and regional tensions.[4] Sites like the Dominus Flevit Church in Jerusalem and Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth are major pilgrimage destinations.[5]

Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Israel

Israel
SaintName SaintBirthPlace
Saint Andrew the Apostle Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Roman Province of Syria Palaestina (modern-day Israel)
Saint Elizabeth Judea, Roman Empire (likely Ein Karem, now Israel)
Saint James the Lesser Galilee, Roman Judea (now Israel)
Saint Joseph Nazareth, Galilee (modern-day Israel)
Saint Joseph Nazareth, Galilee (modern-day Israel)
Saint Jude Thaddeus Galilee, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint Matthias Bethlehem, Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint Philip the Apostle Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Judea (now Israel)
Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Jerusalem, Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint Zachary Judea, Roman Empire (likely Ein Karem, now Israel)

Death place

Parameter received: Israel

Israel
SaintName DeathPlace
Saint Dismas Jerusalem, Judea (modern-day Israel)
Saint Elizabeth Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint James the Lesser Jerusalem, Roman Judea (now Israel)
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Judea (now Israel)
Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Jerusalem, Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Saint Zachary Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)

Notable locations

Parameter received: Israel

Israel
SaintName NotableAddress1
Saint Anne Dominus Flevit Church, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, 91190, Israel
Saint Elizabeth Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel
Saint George Lydda, Roman Palestine (now Lod, Israel)
Saint James Intercisus Armenian Quarter, Old City, Jerusalem 97200, Israel
Saint Joseph Nazareth, Galilee, Israel
Saint Joseph Nazareth, Galilee, Israel
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christian Quarter, Jerusalem 9113601, Israel
Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church of Saint Stephen, Kidron Valley, Jerusalem, Israel
Saint Zachary Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel


Parameter received: Israel

Israel
SaintName NotableAddress2
Saint Elizabeth Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel
Saint Zachary Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel


Parameter received: Israel

Israel
SaintName NotableAddress3
Saint Elizabeth Church of the Visitation, Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel


Parameter received: Israel

Israel

No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Israel.


Parameter received: Israel

Israel

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Israel.

Geography

Israel is located in the Middle East, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Mediterranean Sea.[6] Its 20,770 km² includes coastal plains, the Negev Desert, and the Jordan Valley, with a Mediterranean to arid climate. Major cities like Jerusalem (the capital), Tel Aviv, and Nazareth host Catholic communities, with pilgrimage sites in the Holy Land. Regional conflicts and restricted access to some areas challenge Church activities.[7]

History

Israel’s history includes ancient Israelite kingdoms, Roman rule, Byzantine and Islamic periods, Ottoman control (1517–1917), British Mandate (1917–1948), and independence in 1948.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities in Jerusalem, with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem re-established in 1847.[9] The Church has maintained a presence through Crusader, Ottoman, and modern periods, focusing on pilgrimage sites and education, despite challenges from Jewish state policies and regional conflicts.

Predecessor states

Israel’s territory was part of ancient Israelite kingdoms, the Roman Province of Judea, Byzantine Palaestina, and Islamic caliphates.[10] The Ottoman Empire (1517–1917) and the British Mandate of Palestine (1917–1948) directly preceded the establishment of modern Israel in 1948.[11] Catholic communities, including Latin Catholics and Melkite Catholics, persisted under Ottoman rule, with missions revitalized by Franciscans in the 19th century.[12]

Successor states

The State of Israel, established in 1948, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.[13] The Catholic Church supports peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, navigating challenges in a Jewish-majority state with significant Muslim and Christian minorities.[14]

Demographics

Israel’s 9.6 million people include 1.9% Catholics (180,000), 73% Jews, 18% Muslims, 2% Druze, and 5% other Christians (mostly Orthodox).[15] Ethnic groups are primarily Jewish (74%), Arab (21%), and others (5%). Catholicism is concentrated in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and among Arab and migrant communities, with Melkite and Latin Catholics prominent.[16]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Israel comprises one diocese (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem) and about 70 parishes, coordinated with other Eastern Catholic churches under the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land.[17] Leaders like Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa oversee pilgrimage, education, and charity. The Church maintains schools and hospitals, preserving a presence despite societal and political constraints.[18]

Structure

The Church has no ecclesiastical province but includes one diocese and Eastern Catholic jurisdictions.[19]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities in Jerusalem, with traditions tied to Jesus’ ministry.[20] The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, re-established in 1847, and Eastern Catholic churches like the Melkite Catholic Church strengthened the Catholic presence in the 19th century.[21]

Key historical events

The 1st-century Christian communities in Jerusalem marked Catholicism’s entry.[22] The 1847 re-establishment of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem revitalized Catholic presence.[23] The 1993 Vatican-Israel Fundamental Agreement normalized diplomatic relations, enhancing the Church’s status.[24]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 1.9% adherence, is a small minority religion in a Jewish state under the 1948 Declaration of Independence, which guarantees religious freedom but prioritizes Judaism.[25] The Church faces restrictions on property rights and societal tensions but maintains pilgrimage and charitable activities.[26]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate feasts like Our Lady of Palestine (October 25) with liturgies in Jerusalem.[27] Pilgrimages to Basilica of the Annunciation and Holy Sepulchre blend Latin and Eastern Catholic rites.[28]

Education and charity

The Church operates over 50 schools and several hospitals, serving diverse communities.[29] Caritas Jerusalem addresses poverty and refugee needs, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[30]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in churches like Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, built in 1969.[31] Dominus Flevit Church in Jerusalem features modern biblical designs.[32]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is a global pilgrimage site.[33] Dominus Flevit Church and Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem draw millions.[34]

Historical churches

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built in 565 AD, is a UNESCO site.[35] Saint Joseph’s Church in Nazareth, built in 1914, serves local Catholics.[36]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Palestine, celebrated on October 25, is Israel’s patroness.[37]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Peter (1st century, apostle in Jerusalem), Saint Mary Magdalene (1st century, disciple), and Blessed Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas (beatified 2009, Palestinian nun).[38]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from Israel’s Jewish state policies, including property disputes and visa restrictions for clergy.[39] Regional conflicts and societal tensions limit growth, countered by pilgrimage management and interfaith dialogue.[40]

Social and political influence

The Church influences education, healthcare, and peacebuilding, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[41] It advocates for Christian rights and supports refugees but has limited political influence in a Jewish state.[42]

References

  1. ↑ "Israel". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/israel/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Israel". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Israel. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Israel". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IL.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  6. ↑ "Israel". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/israel/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 
  8. ↑ "Israel". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Israel. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Jerusalem". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08344a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "History of Israel". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Israel/History. 
  11. ↑ "British Mandate of Palestine". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/british-mandate-palestine. 
  12. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/israel-catholic-church. 
  13. ↑ "Israel". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Israel. 
  14. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  15. ↑ "Religion in Israel". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-israel/. 
  16. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 
  17. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Israel". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IL.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Education in Israel". Catholic News Agency. 2022-06-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25020/catholic-schools-israel. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Israel". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IL.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Jerusalem". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08344a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/israel-catholic-church. 
  22. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Jerusalem". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08344a.htm. 
  23. ↑ "Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djeru.html. 
  24. ↑ "Vatican-Israel Relations". Vatican. 1993-12-30. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/documents/rc_seg-st_19931230_santa-sede-israele_en.html. 
  25. ↑ "Religion in Israel". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-israel/. 
  26. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 
  28. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Education in Israel". Catholic News Agency. 2022-06-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25020/catholic-schools-israel. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Jerusalem". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/jerusalem/. 
  31. ↑ "Basilica of the Annunciation". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Basilica-of-the-Annunciation-Nazareth. 
  32. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/israel-catholic-church. 
  33. ↑ "Basilica of the Annunciation". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/1251.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  35. ↑ "Church of the Nativity". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Church-of-the-Nativity-Bethlehem. 
  36. ↑ "Saint Joseph’s Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/saint-josephs-church-nazareth. 
  37. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 
  38. ↑ "Saint Mary Magdalene". Vatican. 2000-01-01. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2000_en.html. 
  39. ↑ "Israel’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-05-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-05/israel-catholic-church-pilgrimage.html. 
  40. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Israel". Catholic News Agency. 2022-07-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25025/catholic-youth-israel. 
  41. ↑ "Caritas Jerusalem". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/jerusalem/. 
  42. ↑ "Catholicism in Israel". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/israel. 

External links

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