Lithuania

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Latvia is a Northern European nation, covering approximately 64,589 km² with a population of about 1.8 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is Latvian, and its economy relies on technology, agriculture, and tourism. The Catholic Church, primarily Latin-rite, with approximately 430,000 adherents (24% of the population), is a significant minority religion, ranking second after Lutheranism (34%), introduced in the 13th century during the Livonian Crusade.[2] Catholicism shapes Latvia’s Christian culture, particularly in Latgale and among ethnic Poles, through charity, education, and devotion to Our Lady of Aglona.[3]

The Church, with 1 ecclesiastical province and 4 dioceses, operates in a secular state with religious freedom, supported by the 1995 Law on Religious Organizations. Catholic communities are concentrated in Riga, Daugavpils, and Aglona, with the Aglona Basilica as a major pilgrimage site.[4][5]

Stored: Latvia, Latvia

Country: Latvia
Historic: No
Existence: 1991–
Continent: Europe
Region: Northern Europe
Historical Region: Livonia, Russian Latvia
Area: 64589 km²
Population: 1800000
Catholic Population: 430000
Catholic Percentage: 24%
Catholicism Status: Significant minority, Lutheran plurality
Official Languages: Latvian
Capital: Riga
Catholicism Introduced: 13th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 1
Dioceses: 4
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Aglona
Predecessor States: Soviet Latvia, Russian Empire
Successor States:


Geography

Latvia is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic Sea.[6] Its 64,589 km² includes forests, rivers, and the Gulf of Riga, with a temperate climate. Major cities like Riga (the capital), Daugavpils, and Aglona host Catholic communities. The geography supports pilgrimage routes to Aglona.[7]

History

Latvia’s history includes medieval Livonian tribes, German and Swedish rule (13th–18th centuries), Russian rule (1795–1918), independence (1918–1940), Soviet occupation (1940–1991), and restored independence since 1991.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 13th century during the Livonian Crusade, flourishing in Latgale until the Reformation in the 16th century, when Lutheranism dominated elsewhere.[9] The Church persisted in Catholic regions, revived post-1991, and is supported by a secular framework.[10]

Predecessor states

Latvia’s territory was part of medieval Livonia, the Russian Empire, and Soviet Latvia.[11] Soviet Latvia preceded the modern state, with Catholicism suppressed under Soviet atheism.[12]

Successor states

The Republic of Latvia, restored in 1991, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.[13] The Catholic Church operates within a secular framework, focusing on pastoral care and charity in Catholic-majority areas.[14]

Demographics

Latvia’s 1.8 million people include 24% Catholics (430,000), 34% Lutherans, 15% Orthodox, and 25% non-religious.[15] Ethnic groups are Latvian (62%), Russian (25%), and Polish (3%). Catholicism is concentrated in Latgale, Riga, and Daugavpils, particularly among ethnic Latvians and Poles.[16]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Latvia comprises 1 ecclesiastical province with 4 dioceses, led by the Latvian Bishops’ Conference.[17] Leaders like Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs oversee education and charity programs, supported by state recognition.[18]

Structure

The Church’s single province covers Latvia’s regions.[19]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 13th century during the Livonian Crusade, with the establishment of the Diocese of Riga.[20] It thrived in Latgale under Polish-Lithuanian influence, despite the Reformation’s spread of Lutheranism elsewhere.[21]

Key historical events

The 1201 founding of the Diocese of Riga formalized Catholic presence.[22] The 16th-century Reformation reduced Catholic influence outside Latgale.[23] The 1993 elevation of Riga to an archdiocese revitalized the Church post-Soviet era.[24]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 24% adherence, is a significant minority religion in a secular state under the 1992 Constitution and 1995 Law on Religious Organizations, which ensure religious freedom.[25] The Church enjoys legal recognition but faces challenges from secularism and emigration.[26]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Our Lady of Aglona (August 15) with pilgrimages to Aglona Basilica.[27] Latgalian and Polish traditions include Marian devotions and Christmas Eve vigils.[28]

Education and charity

The Church operates a few schools in Riga and Daugavpils.[29] Caritas Latvia supports the poor, refugees, and elderly, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[30]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in the Aglona Basilica, a 18th-century Baroque landmark, and Riga Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic structure (now shared with Lutherans).[31] Churches feature Marian iconography.[32]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Aglona Basilica in Latgale draws thousands annually for Marian feasts.[33] Saint James’ Cathedral in Riga is a pilgrimage site.[34]

Historical churches

Aglona Basilica, built in 1780, is a Baroque landmark.[35] Saint Francis Church in Daugavpils, a 19th-century structure, serves Latgalian Catholics.[36]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Aglona (August 15) is Latvia’s patron.[37]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Meinhard (canonized 1993, first bishop of Livonia) and Blessed Maria Anna Bier (beatified 2018, Polish-Latvian nun).[38][39]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from secularism, emigration, and competition from Lutheran and Orthodox communities.[40] It counters these through ecumenical dialogue, youth programs, and pilgrimage events.[41]

Social and political influence

The Church influences charity, education, and cultural preservation, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[42] It has moderate influence in Latgale but navigates a secular and multi-religious society.[43]

References

  1. ↑ "Latvia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/latvia/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Latvia". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Latvia. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Latvia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/LV.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Latvia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/latvia/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 
  8. ↑ "Latvia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Livonia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09262a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "History of Latvia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia/History. 
  12. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  13. ↑ "Latvia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia. 
  14. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  15. ↑ "Religion in Latvia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-latvia/. 
  16. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 
  17. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Latvia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/LV.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Education in Latvia". Catholic News Agency. 2024-09-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25300/catholic-schools-latvia. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Latvia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/LV.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Livonia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09262a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  22. ↑ "Archdiocese of Riga". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/driga.html. 
  23. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  24. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  25. ↑ "Religion in Latvia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-latvia/. 
  26. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 
  28. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Education in Latvia". Catholic News Agency. 2024-09-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25300/catholic-schools-latvia. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Latvia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/latvia/. 
  31. ↑ "Aglona Basilica". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aglona-Basilica. 
  32. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  33. ↑ "Aglona Basilica". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1278.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  35. ↑ "Aglona Basilica". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aglona-Basilica. 
  36. ↑ "Saint Francis Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/saint-francis-church-daugavpils. 
  37. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 
  38. ↑ "Latvian Saints". Vatican. 2018-03-24. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2018_en.html. 
  39. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/latvia-catholic-church. 
  40. ↑ "Latvia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-02-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-02/latvia-catholic-church-community.html. 
  41. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Latvia". Catholic News Agency. 2024-10-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25305/catholic-youth-latvia. 
  42. ↑ "Caritas Latvia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/latvia/. 
  43. ↑ "Catholicism in Latvia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/latvia. 

External links

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