Panama

Stored: Panama

Country: Panama
Historic:	No
Existence:	1903–
Continent:	North America
Region:	Central America
Historical Region:	New Granada
Area:	75417 km²
Population:	4500000
Catholic Population:	3375000
Catholic Percentage:	75%
Catholicism Status:	Majority religion
Official Languages:	Spanish
Capital:	Panama City
Catholicism Introduced:	16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	1
Dioceses:	7
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of Charity, Saint John Bosco
Predecessor States:	New Granada
Successor States:

Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a nation in Central America spanning approximately 75,417 km², with a population of about 4.5 million as of 2023. Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on the Panama Canal, tourism, and services. The Catholic Church, with approximately 3.375 million Catholics (75%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions. Centered in Panama City, with devotion to Our Lady of Charity and Saint John Bosco, and sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Church profoundly shapes Panama’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Panama spans 75,417 km², bordered by Costa Rica, Colombia, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Its tropical climate and isthmian terrain support banana production and canal-based trade, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Chiriquí. Major cities include Panama City, David, and Colón, with Panama City’s Metropolitan Cathedral as a key Catholic site. Pilgrimage routes to the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Panama City foster devotion.

History

Panama gained independence in 1903, succeeding New Granada under Colombian rule, with roots in indigenous Kuna and Ngäbe cultures and Spanish colonization. Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, shaped colonial society and remains central despite secularization post-independence. The Church has maintained influence through education and charity, even amid Protestant growth.

Demographics

Panama’s population is approximately 4.5 million as of 2023, with 75% (3.375 million) identifying as Catholic. Catholics are widespread, particularly in urban areas like Panama City and rural regions like Veraguas. Ethnic groups include Mestizo (65%), Amerindian (12%), Black (9%), and White (7%). Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Panama operates through 1 Latin Rite ecclesiastical province, totaling 7 dioceses, serving about 3.375 million Catholics under the Panamanian Episcopal Conference. The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Panama, with lay catechists vital in indigenous and rural areas.

Structure

The Catholic Church in Panama has 1 Latin Rite ecclesiastical province, aligned with geographic regions, totaling 7 dioceses. Jurisdictions include:

• Ecclesiastical Province of Panama:
  • Archdiocese of Panama (Panama City, Panamá)
  • Diocese of Chitré (Chitré, Herrera)
  • Diocese of Colón–Kuna Yala (Colón, Colón)
  • Diocese of David (David, Chiriquí)
  • Diocese of Penonomé (Penonomé, Coclé)
  • Diocese of Santiago de Veraguas (Santiago, Veraguas)
  • Diocese of Santa María de Panamá (Santa María, Herrera)

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, notably Franciscans and Dominicans, following the conquest of indigenous groups in the 1510s. Missions established Christianity, with devotion to Our Lady of Charity emerging by the 17th century.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

• Establishment of the Diocese of Panama (1513), the first on the American mainland.
• Construction of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary (1796), a colonial landmark.
• Hosting of World Youth Day (2019), led by Pope Francis, boosting Catholic engagement.
• Canonization of Saint John Paul II’s visit (1983), reinforcing Catholic identity.

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is the majority religion in Panama, with 75% of the population Catholic. The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and education, despite Protestant growth.

Administrative subdivisions

Panama is divided into 10 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as provinces, and 4 indigenous comarcas, each governed by a governor or elected authorities. These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with provincial boundaries. The provinces and comarcas are:

• Bocas del Toro
• Chiriquí
• Coclé
• Colón
• Darién
• Herrera
• Los Santos
• Panamá
• Panamá Oeste
• Veraguas
• Emberá-Wounaan
• Guna Yala
• Ngäbe-Buglé
• Naso Tjër Di

Predecessor states

Panama emerged from New Granada, a Spanish colonial territory (1717–1819) under Colombian rule until 1903. Preceding it were indigenous Kuna and Ngäbe cultures, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Panama remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1903.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Charity (September 8) with Masses and processions. Pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Panama City draw thousands annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Panama, aiding indigenous communities and migrants, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic education is vital in urban and indigenous areas.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary in Panama City and Basilica of Saint John Bosco in David, showcasing colonial and modern styles.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary and Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Panama City are major pilgrimage destinations.

Historical churches

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mary in Colón and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in David are significant historical sites.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Charity and Saint John Bosco, revered for their spiritual significance, are Panama’s patron saints.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are native to Panama, but Saint John Paul II, who visited in 1983, is celebrated for his pastoral impact. Blessed María de la Cruz, died 1903, beatified 2014, is noted for her charitable work among the poor.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and challenges in reaching remote indigenous communities. Responses include missionary outreach and leveraging events like World Youth Day.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Panama and education, influencing social justice and environmental issues despite constitutional secularism. It fosters community cohesion in Panama’s diverse society.

External links

• "Panama". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/panama/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in Panama". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/PA.htm. 
• "Annuario Pontificio: Panama". Vatican. 2024-01-15. http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/panama.