Peru

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Stored: Peru

Country: Peru
Historic: No
Existence: –
Continent: South America
Region: Latin America
Historical Region:
Area: 1285216 km²
Population: 34300000
Catholic Population: 26000000
Catholic Percentage: 76%
Catholicism Status: Majority religion, constitutionally secular
Official Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Capital: Lima
Catholicism Introduced: 16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 7
Dioceses: 45
Patron Saints: Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres
Predecessor States:
Successor States:


Peru is a South American nation in Latin America, spanning approximately 1.28 million km² along the Pacific coast, known for its diverse geography, from the Andes to the Amazon.[1] With a population of about 34.3 million, its official languages are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, and its economy relies on mining, agriculture, and tourism. The Catholic Church, introduced in the 16th century by Dominican and Franciscan missionaries, is the majority religion, with approximately 26 million Catholics (76% of the population), shaping Peruvian culture through devotion to Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres.[2] The Church plays a significant role in education, charity, and festivals, despite challenges from secularization and evangelical growth.

Geography

Peru covers 1,285,216 km², bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.[3] Its geography includes the arid coastal plains, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest, with a climate ranging from desert to tropical. Major cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco host Catholic communities, with pilgrimage routes to sites like the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas. The Andes facilitate high-altitude Catholic festivals, such as those in Cusco.

History

Peru’s history spans the Inca Empire, Spanish colonization in the 1530s, independence in 1821, and modern democratic development.[4] Catholicism arrived with Spanish conquistadors, with Dominican missionaries establishing the first diocese in Cusco in 1537. The Church was central to colonial governance and evangelization, later navigating secular reforms in the 19th century. Key Catholic milestones include the canonization of Saint Rose of Lima in 1671 and the establishment of the Archdiocese of Lima in 1541.

Demographics

Peru’s population of approximately 34.3 million is 60% mestizo, 25% indigenous (primarily Quechua and Aymara), and 15% European or other.[5] About 26 million (76%) are Catholic, the largest religious group, though evangelical denominations are growing.[6] Rural and indigenous communities maintain strong Catholic traditions, while urban areas face secularization.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Peru oversees 7 ecclesiastical provinces, 45 dioceses, and over 1,500 parishes, guided by the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.[7] Leaders like Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio, Archbishop of Lima, direct educational and charitable initiatives. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and social programs, maintaining a strong societal presence despite declining Mass attendance.

Structure

The Church’s 7 ecclesiastical provinces align with Peru’s geographic regions.[8] They include:

Additional jurisdictions include the Military Ordinariate of Peru and several apostolic vicariates (e.g., Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos).

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Dominican and Franciscan missionaries following the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.[9] The Diocese of Cusco, established in 1537, became the first episcopal see, facilitating evangelization among indigenous populations like the Quechua.

Key historical events

Significant Catholic events include the establishment of the Diocese of Cusco in 1537, the canonization of Saint Rose of Lima in 1671 as the first American saint, the creation of the Archdiocese of Lima in 1541, and the canonization of Saint Martin de Porres in 1962.[10][11] The Church played a humanitarian role during the Shining Path conflict (1980–2000), and Pope John Paul II’s visits in 1985 and 1988 bolstered Catholic identity.[12]

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church in Peru is the majority religion, with 76% of the population identifying as Catholic, though the state is constitutionally secular.[13] Historically, the Church held significant influence over education and politics, but 19th-century reforms reduced its legal privileges. Today, it remains a moral and cultural force, addressing issues like poverty and indigenous rights.

Administrative subdivisions

Peru is divided into 25 first-level administrative subdivisions called Regions of Peru, plus the Province of Lima, for governance and regional organization.[14] These regions are: Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima (region), Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali, and Province of Lima. Many dioceses align with these regions, supporting Catholic activities.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Peruvian Catholics celebrate Señor de los Milagros in October with processions in Lima, drawing millions to honor the image of Christ.[15] The Inti Raymi festival in Cusco blends Catholic and indigenous traditions, reflecting syncretism.

Education and charity

The Church operates over 600 schools and universities, including the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, and supports charities like Caritas Peru.[16] These efforts focus on education and aid for indigenous and rural communities.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in structures like the Catedral de Lima, built in 1535, and the Convent of San Francisco, known for its colonial art.[17] Religious paintings and statues, such as those of Saint Rose of Lima, adorn churches nationwide.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas in Lima, home to the Señor de los Milagros, attracts over 2 million pilgrims annually.[18] The Shrine of Saint Rose of Lima in Lima draws devotees honoring Peru’s first saint.

Historical churches

The Catedral de Lima, completed in 1535, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting major liturgies.[19] The Basilica and Convent of San Pedro in Lima, built in 1568, is a Jesuit landmark.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres, celebrated on August 23 and November 3, are Peru’s patrons, inspiring widespread devotion.[20]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints and blesseds include Saint Rose of Lima, canonized in 1671, known for her asceticism; Saint Martin de Porres, canonized in 1962, noted for charity; Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, canonized in 1726, second Archbishop of Lima; and Blessed Ana de los Ángeles Monteagudo, beatified in 1985, known for her Dominican piety.[21][22]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces secularization, with Catholic affiliation dropping from 81% in 2000 to 76% in 2020, and competition from evangelical groups.[23] Clergy abuse scandals have prompted reforms, including victim support and transparency measures.[24]

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, healthcare, and advocacy for indigenous rights.[25] It played a stabilizing role during the Shining Path conflict and continues to influence policy on poverty and social justice.

References

  1. ↑ "Peru". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  3. ↑ "Peru". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/. 
  4. ↑ "Peru". Encyclopedia.com. 2024-10-15. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/latin-america-and-caribbean/peruvian-political-geography/peru. 
  5. ↑ "Peru". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/. 
  6. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholic Church in Peru". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/PE.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Church in Peru". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/PE.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Church in Peru". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/pe.html. 
  10. ↑ "Saint Rose of Lima". Vatican News. 1671-08-30. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_16710830_rose-of-lima_en.html. 
  11. ↑ "Saint Martin de Porres". Vatican News. 1962-05-06. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19620506_martin-de-porres_en.html. 
  12. ↑ "Pope John Paul II in Peru". Vatican News. 1985-02-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/1985-02/pope-john-paul-ii-peru-visit.html. 
  13. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  14. ↑ "Peru". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/. 
  15. ↑ "Señor de los Milagros". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/peru/senor-de-los-milagros. 
  16. ↑ "Caritas Peru". Caritas Internationalis. 2023-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/peru/. 
  17. ↑ "Catedral de Lima". Wikipedia. 2024-08-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catedral_de_Lima. 
  18. ↑ "Señor de los Milagros". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/peru/senor-de-los-milagros. 
  19. ↑ "Catedral de Lima". Wikipedia. 2024-08-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catedral_de_Lima. 
  20. ↑ "Patron Saints of Peru". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/pe.html. 
  21. ↑ "Saint Rose of Lima". Vatican News. 1671-08-30. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_16710830_rose-of-lima_en.html. 
  22. ↑ "Saint Martin de Porres". Vatican News. 1962-05-06. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19620506_martin-de-porres_en.html. 
  23. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  24. ↑ "Peru Church Reforms". Catholic News Agency. 2023-07-12. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/peru-church-abuse-response. 
  25. ↑ "Caritas Peru". Caritas Internationalis. 2023-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/peru/. 

External links

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