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'''Pennsylvania''' is a state in the northeastern [[United States]], known for its historical significance as one of the original thirteen colonies, diverse geography ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to urban centers, and a rich Catholic heritage shaped by early European immigration and missionary activity. Spanning approximately 119,283 km², it has an estimated population of around 13 million (as of recent U.S. Census estimates). Catholicism, introduced in the early 18th century primarily through [[Jesuit]] missionaries, remains a significant minority religion, with recent data indicating that about 22% of adults identify as Catholic (according to the Pew Research Center's 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study).<ref>{{Cite web |title=People in Pennsylvania |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/state/pennsylvania/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> The state comprises eight Latin Rite dioceses (one archdiocese and seven suffragan dioceses) within the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia, forming a vibrant Catholic community with notable basilicas, historical missions, and institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania, Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pennsylvania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | |||
{{AdministrativeSubdivision | {{AdministrativeSubdivision | ||
|subdivision_name=Pennsylvania | |subdivision_name=Pennsylvania | ||
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|area_sq_km=119283 | |area_sq_km=119283 | ||
|population=13000000 | |population=13000000 | ||
|catholic_population= | |catholic_population=2860000 | ||
|catholic_percentage= | |catholic_percentage=22 | ||
|rank_among_religions= | |rank_among_religions=Second largest Christian tradition (after Protestant groups combined; varies by survey) | ||
|official_languages=English (de facto) | |official_languages=English (de facto) | ||
|capital_city=Harrisburg | |capital_city=Harrisburg | ||
|date_catholicism_introduced=Early 18th century (1720s-1730s) | |date_catholicism_introduced=Early 18th century (1720s-1730s) | ||
|catholicism_status=Significant minority religion with deep historical roots and institutional presence | |catholicism_status=Significant minority religion with deep historical roots and institutional presence | ||
|patron_saints=No single statewide patron; various local (e.g., | |ecclesiastical_provinces_count=1 (Province of Philadelphia) | ||
|dioceses_count=8 | |||
|patron_saints=No single statewide patron; various local (e.g., [[Saint Patrick]] in some dioceses) | |||
|historic=No | |historic=No | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern United States, bordered by New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware and Maryland to the southeast, West Virginia to the southwest, and Ohio to the west, with Lake Erie providing a short northern shoreline. Covering 119,283 km², its terrain includes the Pocono and Allegheny Mountains, fertile valleys, and urban-industrial areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This geography has facilitated Catholic settlement patterns, with early missions in rural south-central areas and later urban parishes serving immigrant communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | [[Pennsylvania]] is located in the northeastern [[United States]], bordered by [[New York]] to the north, [[New Jersey]] to the east, [[Delaware]] and [[Maryland]] to the southeast, [[West Virginia]] to the southwest, and [[Ohio]] to the west, with [[Lake Erie]] providing a short northern shoreline. Covering 119,283 km², its terrain includes the Pocono and Allegheny Mountains, fertile valleys, and urban-industrial areas like [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]. This geography has facilitated Catholic settlement patterns, with early missions in rural south-central areas and later urban parishes serving immigrant communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 by William Penn as a Quaker colony promoting religious tolerance, which allowed early Catholic presence despite colonial-era restrictions elsewhere. Catholicism grew through German, Irish, Polish, and Italian immigration in the 18th-19th centuries, leading to the establishment of dioceses starting with Philadelphia in 1808. | [[Pennsylvania]] was founded in 1681 by [[William Penn]] as a Quaker colony promoting religious tolerance, which allowed early Catholic presence despite colonial-era restrictions elsewhere. Catholicism grew through German, Irish, Polish, and Italian immigration in the 18th-19th centuries, leading to the establishment of dioceses starting with the [[Diocese of Philadelphia]] in 1808. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Pennsylvania has a population of approximately 13 million, with Catholics estimated at around | [[Pennsylvania]] has a population of approximately 13 million, with Catholics estimated at around 22% (roughly 2.86 million adults, per Pew 2023-24 data; total including children may vary slightly by source). Catholicism is a minority amid Protestant traditions, "nones," and others, with trends of secularization affecting attendance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=People in Pennsylvania |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/state/pennsylvania/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
== Catholic church == | == Catholic church == | ||
The Catholic Church in Pennsylvania consists of eight Latin Rite dioceses (one archdiocese and seven suffragan sees) | The [[Catholic Church]] in [[Pennsylvania]] consists of eight Latin Rite dioceses (one archdiocese and seven suffragan sees) under the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia, with leadership through the [[Pennsylvania Catholic Conference]]. It includes hundreds of parishes, schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania Catholic Conference » About The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference |url=https://www.pacatholic.org/about-the-pcc |publisher=Pennsylvania Catholic Conference |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
The Province of Philadelphia oversees | The Province of Philadelphia oversees the Pennsylvania dioceses: | ||
* Archdiocese of Philadelphia (metropolitan see, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties) | * [[Archdiocese of Philadelphia]] (metropolitan see, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties) | ||
* Diocese of Allentown (suffragan) | * [[Diocese of Allentown]] (suffragan) | ||
* Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown | * [[Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown]] | ||
* Diocese of Greensburg | * [[Diocese of Erie]] | ||
* Diocese of Harrisburg | * [[Diocese of Greensburg]] | ||
* Diocese of Pittsburgh | * [[Diocese of Harrisburg]] | ||
* Diocese of Scranton | * [[Diocese of Pittsburgh]] | ||
* [[Diocese of Scranton]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Erie - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Erie |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania, Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pennsylvania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | |||
== Introduction of Catholicism == | == Introduction of Catholicism == | ||
Catholicism was introduced in the early 18th century (1720s-1730s), with Jesuit missionaries establishing missions such as Conewago in south-central Pennsylvania (1720s) for German and other settlers, and St. Joseph's Church in Philadelphia (1733) by Jesuit Father Joseph Greaton.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Growth of Catholicism |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/about/growth-of-catholicism |publisher=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania, Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pennsylvania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | Catholicism was introduced in the early 18th century (1720s-1730s), with [[Jesuit]] missionaries establishing missions such as Conewago in south-central [[Pennsylvania]] (1720s) for German and other settlers, and [[St. Joseph's Church (Philadelphia)]] in [[Philadelphia]] (1733) by Jesuit Father Joseph Greaton.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Growth of Catholicism |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/about/growth-of-catholicism |publisher=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania, Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pennsylvania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
== Key historical events == | == Key historical events == | ||
* Jesuit missions at Conewago (1720s) and Philadelphia (1730s). | * [[Jesuit]] missions at Conewago (1720s) and [[Philadelphia]] (1730s). | ||
* Erection of Diocese of Philadelphia (1808). | * Erection of [[Diocese of Philadelphia]] (1808). | ||
* Growth through 19th-century immigration. | * Growth through 19th-century immigration. | ||
* Establishment of other dioceses (e.g., Pittsburgh 1843, Erie 1853, Harrisburg 1868). | * Establishment of other dioceses (e.g., [[Diocese of Pittsburgh]] 1843, [[Diocese of Erie]] 1853, [[Diocese of Harrisburg]] 1868). | ||
* Nativist riots in Philadelphia (1844) affecting Catholic churches. | * Nativist riots in [[Philadelphia]] (1844) affecting Catholic churches. | ||
== Catholicism status == | == Catholicism status == | ||
Catholicism is a significant minority religion in Pennsylvania, with strong institutional presence but facing secularization and declining attendance in some areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title= | Catholicism is a significant minority religion in [[Pennsylvania]], with strong institutional presence but facing secularization and declining attendance in some areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=People in Pennsylvania |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/state/pennsylvania/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
== Administrative structure == | == Administrative structure == | ||
Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties for civil governance. The Catholic dioceses align partially with these but follow ecclesiastical boundaries. | [[Pennsylvania]] is divided into 67 counties for civil governance. The Catholic dioceses align partially with these but follow ecclesiastical boundaries. | ||
== Cultural influence == | == Cultural influence == | ||
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=== Education and charity === | === Education and charity === | ||
Numerous Catholic schools, universities (e.g., Villanova, Duquesne), and Catholic Charities operate statewide. | Numerous Catholic schools, universities (e.g., [[Villanova University]], [[Duquesne University]]), and Catholic Charities operate statewide. | ||
=== Art and architecture === | === Art and architecture === | ||
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== Notable Catholic sites == | == Notable Catholic sites == | ||
=== Pilgrimage sites === | === Pilgrimage sites === | ||
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Conewago), one of the oldest continuous Catholic sites. | [[Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Conewago)]], one of the oldest continuous Catholic sites. | ||
=== Historical churches === | === Historical churches === | ||
Cathedral | [[Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Philadelphia)]]; various basilicas in dioceses. | ||
== Saints and blesseds == | == Saints and blesseds == | ||
=== Patron saints === | === Patron saints === | ||
No statewide patron; diocesan patrons vary (e.g., | No statewide patron; diocesan patrons vary (e.g., [[Saint Patrick]] for [[Diocese of Harrisburg]]). | ||
=== Associated saints and blesseds === | === Associated saints and blesseds === | ||
Figures like | Figures like [[Saint John Neumann]] (Bishop of [[Philadelphia]], canonized 1977); [[Saint Katharine Drexel]] (Philadelphia native, canonized 2000); [[Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos]] (worked in Pittsburgh area).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pennsylvania, Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pennsylvania-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
== Challenges to Catholicism == | == Challenges to Catholicism == | ||
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== Social and political influence == | == Social and political influence == | ||
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference advocates on life, education, and social justice issues aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. | The [[Pennsylvania Catholic Conference]] advocates on life, education, and social justice issues aligned with [[Catholic Social Teaching]]. | ||
== Fun facts == | == Fun facts == | ||
* Pennsylvania hosts the [[Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | * [[Pennsylvania]] hosts the [[Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Conewago)]], site of the oldest [[Jesuit]] mission in continuous use in the U.S. (from the 1720s). | ||
* [[Saint | * [[Saint John Neumann]], the only male U.S. saint not born in the U.S., served as Bishop of [[Philadelphia]] (1852-1860) and is buried in the city. | ||
* The 1844 Philadelphia Nativist Riots targeted Catholic churches, leading to destruction but also galvanizing Catholic unity. | * The 1844 Philadelphia Nativist Riots targeted Catholic churches, leading to destruction but also galvanizing Catholic unity. | ||
* Pennsylvania is home to Villanova University (founded 1842 by [[Augustinians]]), one of the oldest Catholic universities in the U.S. | * [[Pennsylvania]] is home to [[Villanova University]] (founded 1842 by [[Augustinians]]), one of the oldest Catholic universities in the U.S., and alma mater of [[Pope Leo XIV]] (elected 2025, the first U.S.-born pope and first Augustinian pontiff).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrating Pope Leo XIV |url=https://www1.villanova.edu/university/pope-leo-xiv.html |publisher=Villanova University |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref> | ||
* The [[Diocese of Erie]] includes unique rural missions, while [[Philadelphia]] has the first free diocesan high school in the U.S. (Roman Catholic High School, 1890). | |||
* The [[Diocese of Erie]] includes unique rural missions, while Philadelphia has the first free diocesan high school in the U.S. (Roman Catholic High School, 1890). | * [[Saint Katharine Drexel]] (born in [[Philadelphia]]) founded orders serving Native Americans and African Americans. | ||
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== Dynamic content == | == Dynamic content == | ||