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The '''Archdiocese of Québec''', a [[Latin Rite]] [[Archdiocese]], is an active ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in [[Canada]], encompassing the north-central region of [[Quebec]]. Founded in 1658 as the Apostolic Vicariate of New France by [[Pope Alexander VII]] and elevated to an archdiocese in 1819, it is led by Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix as of 2011. As the primatial see of Canada and metropolitan see of the [[Province of Québec]], it oversees a vibrant Catholic community across 38 parishes and missions. A notable aspect is its 350th anniversary celebration in 2024, which drew international attention with a papal envoy, underscoring its historic role as the oldest diocese in the New World north of Mexico.
{{Diocese
{{Diocese
|diocese_name=Archdiocese of Québec
|diocese_name=Archdiocese of Québec
|Type=Archdiocese
|Type=[[Archdiocese]]
|Country=Canada
|Country=[[Canada]]
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Quebec
|AdministrativeSubdivision=[[Quebec]]
|Bishop=Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
|Bishop=Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
|Website=http://www.ecdq.org/
|Website=https://www.ecdq.org
|Priests=410
|Newspaper=
|FoundingYear=1658
|CatholicPercentage=84.0
|Status=Active
|CatholicElementarySchools=10
|Rite=Latin
|CatholicHighSchools=3
|EcclesiasticalProvince=Province of Québec
|Deaneries=7
|SuffraganDioceses=[[Diocese of Chicoutimi]], [[Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière]], [[Diocese of Trois-Rivières]]
|Priests=410
|FoundingYear=1658
|EndYear=
|PredecessorDiocese=
|SuccessorDiocese=
|CatholicHospitals=2
|Status=Active
|Rite=[[Latin Rite]]
|EcclesiasticalProvince=[[Province of Québec]]
|SuffraganDioceses=[[Diocese of Chicoutimi]], [[Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière]], [[Diocese of Trois-Rivières]]
|MetropolitanArchdiocese=
|Rating=3.0
}}
}}
The '''Archdiocese of Québec''', a [[Latin Rite]] [[Archdiocese]], is an active ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in [[Canada]], encompassing the north-central region of [[Quebec]]. Established in 1658 as the Apostolic Vicariate of New France by [[Pope Alexander VII]] and elevated to an archdiocese in 1819, it is led by Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix as of 2011. As the primatial see of Canada and metropolitan see of the [[Ecclesiastical Province of Québec]], it oversees the suffragan dioceses of Chicoutimi, Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, and Trois-Rivières, playing a central role in Canadian Catholicism. A notable aspect is its 350th anniversary celebration in 2024, marked by a papal envoy, highlighting its enduring legacy as the oldest diocese in the New World north of Mexico.
 
==Establishment==
The Archdiocese of Québec was established in 1658 as the Apostolic Vicariate of New France by [[Pope Alexander VII]] to serve the spiritual needs of French settlers and Indigenous converts in New France. It was elevated to a diocese in 1674 and to an archdiocese in 1819 by [[Pope Pius VII]], becoming the first Catholic diocese in what is now Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/history |title=History of the Archdiocese |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==History==
===Early Years===
Founded under Bishop François de Laval in 1658, the Archdiocese of Québec initially covered all of French North America. Laval established the Seminary of Québec in 1663, fostering vocations and education, and faced challenges evangelizing in a vast, often hostile territory.<ref name="catholic-hierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dqueb.html |title=Archdiocese of Québec |website=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
===Modern Era===
The archdiocese’s territory was reduced over time with the creation of suffragan dioceses, such as Chicoutimi (1878), Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière (1951), and Trois-Rivières (1852). By 2025, it serves approximately 1.2 million Catholics, with notable growth in urban areas like Québec City, and welcomed 350 new Catholics at the 2025 Easter Vigil.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/statistics |title=Diocesan Statistics |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Geography==
The Archdiocese of Québec spans the north-central region of [[Quebec]], including:
* [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
* [[Lévis, Quebec|Lévis]]
* [[Portneuf Regional County Municipality|Portneuf]]
* [[La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality|La Côte-de-Beaupré]]
* [[L’Île-d’Orléans Regional County Municipality|L’Île-d’Orléans]]
* [[La Jacques-Cartier Regional County Municipality|La Jacques-Cartier]]
* [[Charlevoix Regional County Municipality|Charlevoix]]
* [[Charlevoix-Est Regional County Municipality|Charlevoix-Est]]
It is part of the [[Province of Québec]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/parishes |title=Parish Directory |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Mother Church==
[[Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec]], a [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] structure completed in 1843, serves as the archdiocese’s mother church. It is a national historic site and the primatial church of Canada, known for its role in major liturgical events.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.notredamedequebec.org/en/history |title=History of Notre-Dame Basilica |website=Notre-Dame de Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Leadership==
===Current Bishop===
Gérald Cyprien Lacroix has served as archbishop since February 22, 2011. A member of the Secular Institute Pius X, he emphasizes evangelization and reconciliation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/archbishop |title=Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
===Auxiliary Bishops===
The Archdiocese of Québec currently has two auxiliary bishops: Bishop Marc Pelchat (since 2016) and Bishop Martin Laliberté (since 2020).<ref name="catholic-hierarchy" />
 
===Past Bishops===
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Tenure
! Notes
|-
| François de Laval
| 1658–1688
| First bishop; canonized in 2014.
|-
| Jean-Baptiste de La Croix de Chevrières de Saint-Vallier
| 1688–1727
| Founded hospitals and schools; died in office.
|-
| Louis-Philippe Mariauchau d’Esgly
| 1727–1739
| Died in office.
|-
| François-Louis Pourroy de Lauberivière
| 1739–1740
| Died in office.
|-
| Henri-Marie Dubreil de Pontbriand
| 1741–1760
| Oversaw French and Indian War; died in office.
|-
| Jean-Olivier Briand
| 1766–1784
| Resigned.
|-
| Louis-Philippe Mariauchau d’Esgly
| 1784–1788
| Died in office.
|-
| Jean-François Hubert
| 1788–1797
| Resigned.
|-
| Pierre Denaut
| 1797–1806
| Died in office.
|-
| Joseph-Octave Plessis
| 1806–1825
| First archbishop (1819); died in office.
|-
| Bernard-Claude Panet
| 1825–1833
| Died in office.
|-
| Joseph Signay
| 1833–1850
| Died in office.
|-
| Pierre-Flavien Turgeon
| 1850–1867
| Died in office.
|-
| Charles-François Baillargeon
| 1867–1870
| Died in office.
|-
| Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau
| 1871–1898
| First Canadian cardinal; died in office.
|-
| Louis-Nazaire Bégin
| 1898–1925
| Cardinal; died in office.
|-
| Paul-Eugène Roy
| 1925–1926
| Died in office.
|-
| Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve
| 1931–1947
| Cardinal; died in office.
|-
| Maurice Roy
| 1947–1981
| Cardinal; retired.
|-
| Louis-Albert Vachon
| 1981–1990
| Retired.
|-
| Maurice Couture
| 1990–2002
| Retired.
|-
| Marc Ouellet
| 2002–2010
| Transferred to Vatican; cardinal.
|}<ref name="catholic-hierarchy" />
 
==Theological and Cultural Orientation==
The Archdiocese of Québec maintains a moderate stance (rating: 3.0). It supports traditional practices like Eucharistic adoration (rating: 3.5) while promoting social justice initiatives, including Indigenous reconciliation and refugee support (rating: 2.5), under Archbishop Lacroix’s balanced leadership (rating: 3.0).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/mission |title=Mission and Vision |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Statistics==
The archdiocese covers 13,896 square miles (35,990 km²), serves approximately 1.2 million Catholics across 38 parishes and missions, and has a total population of about 1.4 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/statistics |title=Diocesan Statistics |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Religious Communities==
===Ursuline Sisters===
The [[Ursuline Sisters]] operate schools and retreat centers. Address: 10 Rue Donnacona, [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]], QC G1R 3Y7.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ursulines-uc.com |title=Ursuline Monastery |website=Ursuline Sisters |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
===Augustinians of the Mercy of Jesus===
The [[Augustinians of the Mercy of Jesus]] manage healthcare and pastoral services. Address: 32 Rue Charlevoix, [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]], QC G1R 2J6.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.augustinesdequebec.com |title=Augustinian Monastery |website=Augustinians of the Mercy of Jesus |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Parishes==
{{Main|List of parishes in Archdiocese of Québec}}
{{Diocese map|Diocese=Archdiocese of Québec|Where=Québec City}}
The Archdiocese of Québec serves 38 parishes and missions across 7 deaneries, offering Masses in French and some in English for diverse communities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/parishes |title=Parish Directory |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Mission and Services==
===Catholic Education===
The archdiocese manages 13 schools:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! School Name
! City
! Type
! Website
|-
| Collège François-de-Laval
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| High School
| [https://www.cflaval.qc.ca Collège François-de-Laval]
|-
| École Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.saintlouisdegonzague.qc.ca Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague]
|-
| École Notre-Dame-de-Foy
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.notredamedefoy.qc.ca Notre-Dame-de-Foy]
|-
| École Saint-Charles-Garnier
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| High School
| [https://www.stcharlesgarnier.qc.ca Saint-Charles-Garnier]
|-
| École des Ursulines de Québec
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.ursulines-uc.com/education Ursulines de Québec]
|-
| École Saint-Jean-Eudes
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| High School
| [https://www.stjeaneudes.qc.ca Saint-Jean-Eudes]
|-
| École Sainte-Anne
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.sainteanne.qc.ca Sainte-Anne]
|-
| École Saint-Joseph
| [[Lévis, Quebec|Lévis]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.stjosephlevis.qc.ca Saint-Joseph]
|-
| École Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
| [[Lévis, Quebec|Lévis]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.notredamedelagarde.qc.ca Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde]
|-
| École Saint-Dominique
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.stdominique.qc.ca Saint-Dominique]
|-
| École Sainte-Marie
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.ste-marie.qc.ca Sainte-Marie]
|-
| École Saint-Michel
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.stmichel.qc.ca Saint-Michel]
|-
| École des Saints-Anges
| [[Québec City, Quebec|Québec City]]
| Elementary
| [https://www.saintsanges.qc.ca Saints-Anges]
|}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/education |title=Catholic Education |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
===Community Outreach===
[[Caritas Québec]] provides social services, including food banks and support for the homeless, serving over 50,000 people annually.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.caritasquebec.org |title=Our Services |website=Caritas Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
 
==Notable Events or Figures==
* The 350th anniversary in 2024 included a Mass with a papal envoy, highlighting the archdiocese’s historic role.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ecdq.org/en/350th-anniversary |title=350th Anniversary Celebration |website=Archdiocese of Québec |accessdate=2025-08-27}}</ref>
* Saint François de Laval, the first bishop, was canonized in 2014, recognized for his missionary work.<ref name="catholic-hierarchy" />
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External Links==
* [https://www.ecdq.org Official website]
* [https://www.notredamedequebec.org Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec]
* [https://www.caritasquebec.org Caritas Québec]
 
[[Category:Catholic dioceses in Canada]]
[[Category:Dioceses established in the 17th century]]
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