Costa Rica

Stored: Costa Rica

Country: Costa Rica
Historic:	No
Existence:	1838–
Continent:	North America
Region:	Central America
Historical Region:	Captaincy General of Guatemala
Area:	51100 km²
Population:	5200000
Catholic Population:	3640000
Catholic Percentage:	70%
Catholicism Status:	Majority religion
Official Languages:	Spanish
Capital:	San José
Catholicism Introduced:	16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	1
Dioceses:	8
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of the Angels
Predecessor States:	Captaincy General of Guatemala
Successor States:

Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a nation in Central America spanning approximately 51,100 km², with a population of about 5.2 million as of 2023. Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and technology. The Catholic Church, with approximately 3.64 million Catholics (70%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions. Centered in San José, with devotion to Our Lady of the Angels and sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, the Church profoundly shapes Costa Rica’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Costa Rica spans 51,100 km², bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Its tropical climate and biodiverse terrain support coffee and ecotourism, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Alajuela. Major cities include San José, Alajuela, and Cartago, with Cartago’s Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels as a major pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage routes to the basilica, especially on August 2, reinforce Catholic devotion.

History

Costa Rica gained independence in 1838, succeeding the Captaincy General of Guatemala, with roots in indigenous Chibcha cultures and Spanish colonization. Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, became the state religion until 1949 and remains central to national identity despite secularization. The Church has maintained influence through education and social programs, even amid Protestant growth.

Demographics

Costa Rica’s population is approximately 5.2 million as of 2023, with 70% (3.64 million) identifying as Catholic. Catholics are widespread, particularly in urban areas like San José and rural regions like Guanacaste. Ethnic groups include White/Mestizo (84%), Black (7%), Amerindian (2%), and others (7%). Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Costa Rica operates through 1 Latin Rite ecclesiastical province, totaling 8 dioceses, serving about 3.64 million Catholics under the Costa Rican Episcopal Conference. The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Costa Rica, with lay catechists playing a key role in rural areas.

Structure

The Catholic Church in Costa Rica has 1 Latin Rite ecclesiastical province, aligned with geographic regions, totaling 8 dioceses. Jurisdictions include:

• Ecclesiastical Province of San José:
  • Archdiocese of San José de Costa Rica (San José, San José)
  • Diocese of Alajuela (Alajuela, Alajuela)
  • Diocese of Cartago (Cartago, Cartago)
  • Diocese of Ciudad Neily (Ciudad Neily, Puntarenas)
  • Diocese of Limón (Limón, Limón)
  • Diocese of Puntarenas (Puntarenas, Puntarenas)
  • Diocese of San Isidro de El General (San Isidro de El General, San José)
  • Diocese of Tilarán–Liberia (Liberia, Guanacaste)

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 the Angels emerging by the 17th century after the 1635 apparition.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

• Apparition of Our Lady of the Angels (1635), sparking national devotion.
• Establishment of the Diocese of Costa Rica (1850), later elevated to an archdiocese.
• Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels (1924), a major pilgrimage site.
• Canonization of Saint John Paul II’s visit (1983), reinforcing Catholic identity.

Catholicism status

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

Administrative subdivisions

Costa Rica is divided into 7 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as provinces, each governed by a governor appointed by the president. These provinces manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with provincial boundaries. The provinces are:

• Alajuela
• Cartago
• Guanacaste
• Heredia
• Limón
• Puntarenas
• San José

Predecessor states

Costa Rica emerged from the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a Spanish colonial territory (1609–1821) encompassing much of Central America. Preceding it were indigenous Chibcha cultures, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Costa Rica remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1838.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of the Angels (August 2) with Masses and processions. The annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago draws over a million pilgrims.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Costa Rica, aiding the poor and migrants, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic education is a cornerstone of Costa Rican society.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago and Metropolitan Cathedral of San José, showcasing colonial and neoclassical styles.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago and Metropolitan Cathedral of San José are major pilgrimage destinations.

Historical churches

The Cathedral of Alajuela and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced in San José are significant historical sites.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of the Angels, revered for her 1635 apparition, is Costa Rica’s patron saint.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are native to Costa Rica, but Saint John Paul II, who visited in 1983, is celebrated for his pastoral impact. Blessed María del Rosario of Saint Joseph, died 1888, beatified 2019, is noted for her charitable work.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and declining attendance among youth. Responses include youth outreach and promoting Our Lady of the Angels’s pilgrimage.

Social and political influence

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

External links

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