Belize

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Stored: Belize

Country: Belize
Historic: No
Existence: 1981–
Continent: North America
Region: Central America
Historical Region: British Honduras
Area: 22966 km²
Population: 410000
Catholic Population: 164000
Catholic Percentage: 40%
Catholicism Status: Minority religion
Official Languages: English
Capital: Belmopan
Catholicism Introduced: 19th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Predecessor States: British Honduras
Successor States:


Belize, officially Belize, is a nation in Central America spanning approximately 22,966 km², with a population of about 410,000 as of 2023.[1] Its official language is English, unique in Central America, and its economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and services. The Catholic Church, with approximately 164,000 Catholics (40%) as of 2023, is a minority religion, introduced in the 19th century through British and Jesuit missions.[2] Centered in Belize City, with devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church shapes Belize’s cultural and spiritual life despite Protestant growth.[](https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Belize_Church_Records)

Geography

Belize spans 22,966 km², bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea.[3] Its tropical climate supports coral reefs and rainforests, boosting tourism and sustaining Catholic communities in coastal areas. Major cities include Belmopan, Belize City, and San Ignacio, with Belize City’s Holy Redeemer Cathedral as a key Catholic site. Pilgrimage routes to rural churches foster devotion.[4]

History

Belize gained independence in 1981, succeeding British Honduras, with roots in Maya civilizations and British colonization.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 19th century by Jesuits amid British Protestant dominance, grew through missionary work among the Maya and Garifuna.[6] The Church faced challenges from Protestantism but remains influential in education and charity.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church_in_Belize)

Demographics

Belize’s population is approximately 410,000 as of 2023, with 40% (164,000) identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics are concentrated in Belize City and northern districts like Corozal.[8] Ethnic groups include Mestizo (50%), Creole (25%), Maya (15%), and Garifuna (6%). Protestantism and secular trends limit Catholic dominance.[9][](https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Belize_Church_Records)

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Belize operates through the Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan, directly subject to the Holy See, serving about 164,000 Catholics.[10] The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Belize, with lay catechists vital in rural areas due to priest shortages.[11][](https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/11/07/catholicism-in-belize-the-church-in-a-troubled-paradise/)[](https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/11/07/catholicism-in-belize-the-church-in-a-troubled-paradise/)

Structure

The Catholic Church in Belize has one diocese, directly under the Holy See, with no ecclesiastical provinces.[12][13] The jurisdiction is:[](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbeli.html)

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 19th century by Jesuit missionaries, who established missions among the Maya and Garifuna under British colonial rule.[14] The Church grew slowly due to Protestant dominance but gained traction by the mid-20th century.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church_in_Belize)

Key historical events

Milestones include:

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is a minority religion in Belize, with 40% of the population Catholic.[16] The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Protestantism’s growth has reduced Catholic influence. The Church retains significance in education and social services.[17][](https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Belize_Church_Records)

Administrative subdivisions

Belize is divided into 6 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as districts, each governed by a district commissioner.[18] These districts manage local administration, with the Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan covering all districts. The districts are:

Predecessor states

Belize emerged from British Honduras, a British colony (1862–1981), with roots in Maya settlements and Spanish-British territorial disputes.[19] The Maya civilization preceded colonial rule, with Catholicism arriving late due to British Protestant control.

Successor states

Belize remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1981.[20]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) with Masses and processions.[21] Local feasts in Maya villages strengthen community ties.

Education and charity

The Church runs schools and supports Caritas Belize, aiding the poor and disaster victims, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[22] Catholic schools are key to education.[23][](https://www.redalyc.org/journal/152/15264516007/html/)

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City, showcasing colonial architecture.[24] Rural churches feature Maya-influenced art.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City is a major pilgrimage destination.[25] Rural churches in Toledo District attract Maya pilgrims.

Historical churches

St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City, though Anglican, hosts ecumenical Catholic events, while Holy Redeemer Cathedral is a historic Catholic site.[26]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Guadalupe, revered for her regional significance, is Belize’s patron saint.[27]

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are directly associated with Belize, but Saint John Paul II, who visited in 1983, is celebrated for his pastoral impact.[28] Blessed Mother Teresa, who worked with Belizean missions, is also venerated.[29]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and priest shortages in rural areas, with only three priests for 35 villages in some parishes.[30] Responses include training lay catechists and ecumenical outreach.[31][](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ddwwebster_eng-the-challenges-of-belize-city-feat-activity-7186723357541765120-QjhQ)

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Belize and education, influencing social issues like poverty and education despite limited political power.[32] Its educational role aligns with state goals, fostering community cohesion.[33][](https://www.countryreports.org/country/Belize/expandedhistory.htm?countryid=27&hd=rf357.aspx&bz0098%29)[](https://www.redalyc.org/journal/152/15264516007/html/)

References

  1. ↑ "Belize". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  3. ↑ "Belize: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Central America. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03368a.htm. 
  5. ↑ "History of Belize". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Belize. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in Belize". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Belize. 
  7. ↑ "Belize: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Religion in Belize". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-belize/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Catholicism in Belize: The Church in a troubled paradise". Catholic World Report. 2018-11-07. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/11/07/catholicism-in-belize-the-church-in-a-troubled-paradise/. 
  12. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  13. ↑ "Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-12-01. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbzbc.html. 
  14. ↑ "Catholicism in Belize". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Belize. 
  15. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  16. ↑ "Belize: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  17. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Belize". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/belize/. 
  18. ↑ "Belize: Government". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  19. ↑ "History of Belize". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Belize. 
  20. ↑ "Belize: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/. 
  21. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Belize". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/belize. 
  22. ↑ "Caritas Belize: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/belize/. 
  23. ↑ "Exploring Alignment Between the Church and State in Belize". Redalyc. 2021-06-01. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27967845004/html/. 
  24. ↑ "Religious Sites in Belize". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/belize/religion.htm. 
  25. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Belize". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/belize-pilgrimages.html. 
  26. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Belize". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BZ.htm. 
  27. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Belize". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  28. ↑ Vatican News (1983-03-09). "John Paul II in Belize". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/1983-03/john-paul-ii-belize.html. 
  29. ↑ "Mother Teresa’s Work in Central America". Catholic News Agency. 2016-09-04. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mother-teresa-central-america. 
  30. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Belize". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/belize/. 
  31. ↑ "Challenges of Belize City". LinkedIn. 2025-05-23. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/challenges-belize-city-feat-jose-luis-ramos/. 
  32. ↑ "Caritas Belize: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/belize/. 
  33. ↑ "Exploring Alignment Between the Church and State in Belize". Redalyc. 2021-06-01. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27967845004/html/. 

External links

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