Archdiocese of Milan
Stored: Archdiocese of Milan
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Milan | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Milan |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Bergamo, Diocese of Brescia, Diocese of Como, Diocese of Crema, Diocese of Cremona, Diocese of Lodi, Diocese of Mantova, Diocese of Pavia, Diocese of Vigevano |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | |
| Country: | Italy |
| Region: | Lombardy |
| Bishop: | Mario Enrico Delpini |
| Website: | https://www.diocesidimilano.it |
| Newspaper: | https://www.chiesadimilano.it |
| Catholic Percentage: | 88.0% |
| Catholic Elementary Schools: | 120 |
| Catholic High Schools: | 30 |
| Deaneries: | 73 |
| Priests: | 2500 |
| Existence: | 1st century– |
| Predecessor Diocese: | |
| Successor Diocese: | |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 12 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
The Archdiocese of Milan, a Latin Rite Archdiocese, is an active metropolitan see in Italy, encompassing the Lombardy region. Established in the 1st century, traditionally attributed to Pope Anicetus, it is led by Archbishop Mario Enrico Delpini as of 2017. As the head of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milan, it oversees several suffragan dioceses and is renowned for its historic Ambrosian Rite, a distinct liturgical tradition. Notably, the archdiocese’s Milan Cathedral, one of the world’s largest, hosted over 5 million visitors in 2023, underscoring its global spiritual and cultural significance.
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Milan was established in the 1st century, traditionally by Pope Anicetus, to serve the early Christian community in Lombardy.[1] It emerged as a key center of Christianity in northern Italy, attributed to the missionary work of Saint Barnabas.
History
Early Christianity
Founded in the 1st century, the Archdiocese of Milan became a significant hub under Saint Ambrose, who shaped its theology and liturgy in the 4th century.[2] The Ambrosian Rite, a distinct Latin Rite tradition, developed during this period.
Medieval and Renaissance Periods
The archdiocese played a central role in medieval Italy, with archbishops often wielding political influence. In the 16th century, Saint Charles Borromeo implemented Counter-Reformation reforms, strengthening Catholic education and clergy discipline.[3]
Modern Era
In the 20th century, the archdiocese navigated industrialization and secularization, maintaining its prominence through leaders like Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, later Pope Paul VI. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Catholic life, adapting to contemporary challenges while preserving its traditions.
Geography
The Archdiocese of Milan covers the Lombardy region, including:
- Province of Bergamo
- Province of Brescia
- Province of Como
- Province of Cremona
- Province of Lecco
- Province of Lodi
- Province of Milan
- Province of Monza and Brianza
- Province of Pavia
- Province of Varese
It is the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milan.[4]
Mother Church
Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is a Gothic masterpiece in Milan, begun in 1386 and completed over centuries. It serves as the archdiocese’s mother church and a global Catholic landmark.[5]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Mario Enrico Delpini has served since 2017. A native of Lombardy, he emphasizes pastoral care and youth engagement.[6]
Auxiliary Bishops
- Bishop Luca Raimondi, appointed 2020, oversees pastoral planning.[7]
- Bishop Giovanni Luca Raimondi, appointed 2020, focuses on catechesis.[8]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Ambrose | 374–397 | Developed Ambrosian Rite; influential theologian. |
| Saint Charles Borromeo | 1564–1584 | Implemented Counter-Reformation reforms. |
| Giovanni Battista Montini | 1954–1963 | Became Pope Paul VI. |
| Carlo Maria Martini | 1979–2002 | Promoted biblical scholarship; retired. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese is slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), with the Ambrosian Rite and occasional Traditional Latin Masses in 10–15% of parishes, a balanced emphasis on pro-life teachings and social outreach like refugee support, and leadership that upholds doctrinal fidelity while engaging modern issues.[10]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 4,243 square miles (10,989 km²), serves 4.8 million registered Catholics across 1,107 parishes, and has a total population of 5.5 million.[11]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits run educational institutions like Istituto Leone XIII in Milan. Address: Via Leone XIII, 20145 Milano.[12] Jesuits
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity operate healthcare and social services, including Ospedale San Carlo. Address: Via Pio II, 20153 Milano.[13] Sisters of Charity
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Milan |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
No results The Archdiocese of Milan serves 1,107 parishes across 73 deaneries, covering urban and rural Lombardy. It includes Ambrosian Rite parishes and diverse communities, with notable shrines like the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.[14]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 150 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istituto Leone XIII | Milan | High School | Istituto Leone XIII |
| Collegio San Carlo | Milan | Elementary | Collegio San Carlo |
Community Outreach
Caritas Ambrosiana serves 100,000 people annually with food, housing, and refugee aid.[16]
Notable Events or Figures
In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited Milan, drawing 1 million attendees.[17] Saint Ambrose, a Doctor of the Church, profoundly influenced Western theology.
References
- ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/storia. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Milan". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmila.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/storia. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Territory". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/territorio. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Milan Cathedral". https://www.duomomilano.it/en/. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Archbishop". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/arcivescovo. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Auxiliary Bishops". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/vescovi-ausiliari. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Auxiliary Bishops". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/vescovi-ausiliari. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Milan". http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmila.html. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Pastoral Priorities". https://www.chiesadimilano.it/pastorale. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Statistics". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/statistiche. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Istituto Leone XIII". https://www.leonexiii.it. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Ospedale San Carlo". https://www.sancarlo.it. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/parrocchie. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Schools". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/scuole. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Caritas Ambrosiana". https://www.caritasambrosiana.it. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://www.diocesidimilano.it/storia. Retrieved 2025-09-28.