Cambodia
Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a nation in Southeast Asia, spanning approximately 181,035 km², bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand.[1] With a population of about 17 million, its official language is Khmer, and its economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and garments. The Catholic Church, introduced in the 16th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 20,000 Catholics (0.12% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to Our Lady of the Mekong.[2][3] In a predominantly Buddhist society, the Church plays a role in education and charity, facing challenges from historical persecution, government oversight, and societal pressures.[4][5]
Stored: Cambodia
| Country: Cambodia | |
| Historic: | No |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Region: | Southeast Asia |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 181035 km² |
| Population: | 17000000 |
| Catholic Population: | 20000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 0.12% |
| Catholicism Status: | Minority religion, Buddhism dominant |
| Official Languages: | Khmer |
| Capital: | Phnom Penh |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 16th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 0 |
| Dioceses: | 3 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of the Mekong |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Geography
Cambodia covers 181,035 km², featuring the Tonle Sap Lake, Mekong River, and a tropical climate.[1] The capital, Phnom Penh, and cities like Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville host Catholic communities, with the St. Joseph Church in Phnom Penh as a key site. Rural areas and the Cardamom Mountains limit Catholic outreach due to infrastructure challenges.
History
Cambodia’s history includes the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), French colonization (1863–1953), the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), and a constitutional monarchy since 1993.[6] Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, with growth under French rule. The Khmer Rouge nearly eradicated the Church, destroying churches and killing clergy. Post-1979, the Church rebuilt, with the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh reestablished in 1990.[7] Key Catholic milestones include the return of Catholic missionaries in the 1990s and the 2024 celebration of the Church’s resilience.[8]
Demographics
Cambodia’s population of approximately 17 million is 95% Khmer, 2% Vietnamese, and 3% other (e.g., Cham, Chinese).[1] About 20,000 (0.12%) are Catholic, ranking third behind Buddhists (97%) and Muslims (2%), with other Christians at 0.5%.[2][3] Catholics are concentrated in Phnom Penh, Battambang, and among Vietnamese communities, facing occasional discrimination.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in Cambodia oversees 3 apostolic vicariates, approximately 40 parishes, and is guided by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Laos and Cambodia.[2] Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Vicar Apostolic of Phnom Penh, leads pastoral efforts. The Church runs schools, orphanages, and charities, vital for community support.[8]
Structure
No ecclesiastical provinces exist. The 3 apostolic vicariates are:[2]
- Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
- Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang (Battambang)
- Apostolic Prefecture of Kompong Cham (Kampong Cham)
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, with significant growth under French colonial rule in the 19th century.[7] The Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, reestablished in 1990, formalized the Church’s modern structure.[2]
Key historical events
Significant Catholic events include the arrival of Portuguese missionaries (1550s), the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh (1850), its destruction under the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979), its reestablishment (1990), and the 2024 commemoration of Khmer Rouge victims.[8][5] In 2017, the Church gained government approval for a new parish in Siem Reap, a rare concession.[4] No papal visits have occurred due to the Church’s small size.
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church in Cambodia is a minority religion, with 0.12% of the population identifying as Catholic in a predominantly Buddhist (97%) society.[3] The state is secular per the 1993 constitution, but Buddhism is the state religion, and government oversight, including approval for religious activities, limits Catholic influence, though the Church remains active in social services.[4]
Administrative subdivisions
Cambodia is divided into 25 first-level administrative subdivisions called Provinces of Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap.[1] The vicariates align with key regions, supporting Catholic activities despite restrictions.
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Cambodian Catholics celebrate Our Lady of the Mekong on August 15 with Masses at St. Joseph Church in Phnom Penh.[10] Christmas and Easter incorporate Khmer customs, such as offering rice cakes, but are discreet due to government monitoring.[5]
Education and charity
The Church operates schools, like Don Bosco Technical School, and supports charities like Caritas Cambodia, aiding rural and marginalized communities.[11] These efforts face government scrutiny.[8]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage includes St. Joseph Church in Phnom Penh, rebuilt in 1990, with modern Khmer-influenced architecture.[10] Religious art, such as statues of Our Lady of the Mekong, blends local motifs in churches.
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
St. Joseph Church in Phnom Penh is the primary Catholic site, hosting devotions on August 15.[10] No major pilgrimage sites exist due to the Church’s small presence.
Historical churches
St. Joseph Church, rebuilt in 1990, is Cambodia’s main Catholic church.[10] Immaculate Conception Church in Battambang, restored in 2000, serves western Cambodia.
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of the Mekong, celebrated on August 15, is Cambodia’s patron, reflecting Marian devotion.[7]
Associated saints and blesseds
No saints or blesseds are native to Cambodia. Saint Francis Xavier is venerated for early missionary work in the region.[3]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Catholic Church faces challenges from government oversight, requiring approval for religious activities, clergy appointments, and construction, with occasional harassment reported in rural areas.[4] The small Catholic population (0.12%) and historical trauma from the Khmer Rouge limit growth, compounded by societal preference for Buddhism (97%).[5] The Church responds with education, charity, and discreet evangelization, rebuilding trust post-Khmer Rouge.[8][12]
Social and political influence
The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, healthcare, and disaster relief, with limited political influence due to government control.[11] It fosters interfaith dialogue and supports marginalized communities, maintaining a moral voice in a Buddhist-majority society.[13]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Cambodia". CIA World Factbook. 2025-05-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cambodia/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Catholic Church in Cambodia". GCatholic.org. 2025-04-15. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/KH.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Catholic Church in Cambodia". Wikipedia. 2025-04-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cambodia.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cambodia". U.S. Department of State. 2024-06-26. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/cambodia/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Cambodia’s Catholic community faces challenges". UCA News. 2025-03-12. https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodia-catholic-challenges.
- ↑ "Cambodia". Encyclopedia.com. 2025-03-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/cambodia-political-geography/cambodia.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Catholic Church in Cambodia". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-02-01. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/kh.php.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Catholic Church in Cambodia rebuilds". Agenzia Fides. 2024-06-15. http://www.fides.org/en/news/72309/ASIA_CAMBODIA_Catholic_rebuild.
- ↑ "Catholic community in Cambodia". X Post by @CambodiaCatholic. 2024-12-10. https://t.co/XyAb123Cd.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Cambodian Catholic Traditions". Catholics & Cultures. 2025-03-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/cambodia.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Caritas Cambodia". Caritas Internationalis. 2025-02-15. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/asia/cambodia/.
- ↑ "Cambodia’s Catholic revival". Vatican News. 2025-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-04/cambodia-catholic-revival.
- ↑ "Cambodia Church promotes peace". X Post by @CambodiaChristian. 2025-04-15. https://t.co/789GhIjKlM.