Venezuela

Stored: Venezuela

Country: Venezuela
Historic:	No
Existence:	1811–
Continent:	South America
Region:	Northern South America
Historical Region:	New Granada
Area:	916445 km²
Population:	29000000
Catholic Population:	20300000
Catholic Percentage:	70%
Catholicism Status:	Majority religion
Official Languages:	Spanish
Capital:	Caracas
Catholicism Introduced:	16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	7
Dioceses:	33
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of Coromoto
Predecessor States:	New Granada
Successor States:

Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a nation in South America spanning approximately 916,445 km², with a population of about 29 million as of 2023. Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on oil, agriculture, and mining, though it faces significant economic challenges. The Catholic Church, with approximately 20.3 million Catholics (70%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions. Centered in Caracas, with devotion to Our Lady of Coromoto and sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto, the Church significantly shapes Venezuela’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Venezuela spans 916,445 km², bordered by Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, and the Caribbean Sea. Its tropical climate and diverse terrain, including the Andes and Orinoco Delta, support agriculture, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Zulia. Major cities include Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia, with the Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare as a key pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage routes to the basilica foster devotion.

History

Venezuela gained independence in 1811, succeeding New Granada, with roots in indigenous Carib and Arawak cultures and Spanish colonization. Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, shaped colonial society but faced tensions during 20th-century political shifts, including the Chávez era. The Church remains influential despite Protestant growth and political challenges.

Demographics

Venezuela’s population is approximately 29 million as of 2023, with 70% (20.3 million) identifying as Catholic. Catholics are widespread, particularly in urban areas like Caracas and rural regions like Mérida. Ethnic groups include Mestizo (50%), White (42%), Afro-Venezuelan (3%), and Amerindian (2%). Protestantism and secularization challenge Catholic dominance.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Venezuela operates through 7 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 33 dioceses, serving about 20.3 million Catholics under the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference. The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Venezuela, with lay catechists vital in rural areas amid economic crises.

Structure

The Catholic Church in Venezuela has 7 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 33 dioceses. Jurisdictions include:

• Ecclesiastical Province of Barquisimeto:
  • Archdiocese of Barquisimeto (Barquisimeto, Lara)
  • Diocese of Acarigua–Araure (Acarigua, Portuguesa)
  • Diocese of Carora (Carora, Lara)
  • Diocese of Guanare (Guanare, Portuguesa)
  • Diocese of San Carlos (San Carlos, Cojedes)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Caracas:
  • Archdiocese of Caracas (Caracas, Capital District)
  • Diocese of Guarenas (Guarenas, Miranda)
  • Diocese of La Guaira (La Guaira, La Guaira)
  • Diocese of Los Teques (Los Teques, Miranda)
  • Diocese of Petare (Petare, Miranda)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Ciudad Bolívar:
  • Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar (Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar)
  • Diocese of Ciudad Guayana (Ciudad Guayana, Bolívar)
  • Diocese of Maturín (Maturín, Monagas)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Coro:
  • Archdiocese of Coro (Coro, Falcón)
  • Diocese of Punto Fijo (Punto Fijo, Falcón)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Cumaná:
  • Archdiocese of Cumaná (Cumaná, Sucre)
  • Diocese of Barcelona (Barcelona, Anzoátegui)
  • Diocese of Carúpano (Carúpano, Sucre)
  • Diocese of El Tigre (El Tigre, Anzoátegui)
  • Diocese of Margarita (Porlamar, Nueva Esparta)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Maracaibo:
  • Archdiocese of Maracaibo (Maracaibo, Zulia)
  • Diocese of Cabimas (Cabimas, Zulia)
  • Diocese of El Vigía–San Carlos del Zulia (El Vigía, Mérida)
  • Diocese of Machiques (Machiques, Zulia)
• Ecclesiastical Province of Valencia:
  • Archdiocese of Valencia (Valencia, Carabobo)
  • Diocese of Maracay (Maracay, Aragua)
  • Diocese of Puerto La Cruz (Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui)
  • Diocese of San Felipe (San Felipe, Yaracuy)
  • Diocese of Valle de la Pascua (Valle de la Pascua, Guárico)

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 1520s. Missions established Christianity, with devotion to Our Lady of Coromoto emerging after her 1652 apparition.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

• Establishment of the Diocese of Caracas (1531), the first in Venezuela.
• Apparition of Our Lady of Coromoto (1652), sparking national devotion.
• Canonization of Saint José Gregorio Hernández (2021), Venezuela’s first lay saint.
• Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto (1996), a major pilgrimage site.

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is the majority religion in Venezuela, with 70% of the population Catholic. The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and charity, despite Protestant growth and political tensions.

Administrative subdivisions

Venezuela is divided into 23 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as states, 1 capital district, and 1 federal dependency, each governed by a governor or federal authority. These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with state boundaries. The states, capital district, and federal dependency are:

• Amazonas
• Anzoátegui
• Apure
• Aragua
• Barinas
• Bolívar
• Carabobo
• Cojedes
• Delta Amacuro
• Falcón
• Guárico
• La Guaira
• Lara
• Mérida
• Miranda
• Monagas
• Nueva Esparta
• Portuguesa
• Sucre
• Táchira
• Trujillo
• Yaracuy
• Zulia
• Capital District
• Federal Dependencies

Predecessor states

Venezuela emerged from New Granada, a Spanish colonial territory (1717–1819), which became independent in 1811. Preceding it were indigenous Carib and Arawak cultures, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Venezuela remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1811.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Coromoto (September 11) with Masses and processions. Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare draw thousands annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Venezuela, aiding those affected by economic crises, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic education remains vital despite resource shortages.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto and Metropolitan Cathedral of Caracas, showcasing colonial and modern styles.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare and Metropolitan Cathedral of Caracas are major pilgrimage destinations.

Historical churches

The Cathedral of Maracaibo and Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá in Maracaibo are significant historical sites.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Coromoto, revered for her 1652 apparition, is Venezuela’s patron saint.

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints include Saint José Gregorio Hernández, died 1919, beatified 2021, known for his medical charity. Blessed Carmen Rendiles Martínez, died 1977, beatified 2018, is noted for her religious work.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and government restrictions, with clergy facing harassment since the 2010s. Responses include promoting Our Lady of Coromoto and social outreach.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Venezuela and education, advocating for human rights amid political and economic crises. It fosters community cohesion in Venezuela’s diverse society.

External links

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