Saintapedia

Colombia

Stored: Colombia

Country: Colombia
Historic: No
Existence: 1810–
Continent: South America
Region: Northern South America
Historical Region: New Granada
Area: 1138914 km²
Population: 52000000
Catholic Population: 39000000
Catholic Percentage: 75%
Catholicism Status: Majority religion
Official Languages: Spanish
Capital: Bogotá
Catholicism Introduced: 16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 13
Dioceses: 66
Patron Saints: Virgin of Chiquinquirá, Saint Peter Claver
Predecessor States: New Granada
Successor States:


Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a nation in South America spanning approximately 1,138,914 km², with a population of about 52 million as of 2023.[1] Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The Catholic Church, with approximately 39 million Catholics (75%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions.[2] Centered in Bogotá, with devotion to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá and Saint Peter Claver, and sites like the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá, the Church profoundly shapes Colombia’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Colombia spans 1,138,914 km², bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.[3] Its tropical climate and diverse terrain support coffee and emerald production, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Antioquia. Major cities include Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with Bogotá’s Primatial Cathedral as a key Catholic site. Pilgrimage routes to the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá foster devotion.[4]

History

Colombia gained independence in 1810, succeeding New Granada, with roots in indigenous Muisca and Tairona cultures and Spanish colonization.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, shaped colonial society and remained influential despite 20th-century conflicts like La Violencia.[6] The Church has mediated peace processes, though Protestantism is growing.

Demographics

Colombia’s population is approximately 52 million as of 2023, with 75% (39 million) identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics are widespread, particularly in urban areas like Bogotá and rural regions like Boyacá.[8] Ethnic groups include Mestizo (58%), White (20%), Afro-Colombian (14%), and Amerindian (4%). Protestantism and secular trends challenge Catholic dominance.[9]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Colombia operates through 13 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces and 1 Maronite apostolic exarchate, totaling 66 dioceses and exarchates, serving about 39 million Catholics under the Colombian Episcopal Conference.[10] The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Colombia, with lay catechists vital in rural and conflict-affected areas.[11]

Structure

The Catholic Church in Colombia has 13 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces and 1 Maronite apostolic exarchate, totaling 66 jurisdictions.[12][13] Jurisdictions include:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, notably Dominicans and Jesuits, following the conquest of the Muisca in the 1530s.[14] Missions established Christianity, with devotion to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá emerging by the 16th century after her 1586 apparition.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is the majority religion in Colombia, with 75% of the population Catholic.[20] The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism retains cultural dominance through festivals and education, despite Protestant growth.[21]

Administrative subdivisions

Colombia is divided into 32 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as departments, and 1 capital district, each governed by a governor or mayor.[22] These subdivisions manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with departmental boundaries. The departments and capital district are:

Predecessor states

Colombia emerged from New Granada, a Spanish colonial territory (1717–1819), which became independent in 1810.[23] Preceding it were indigenous Muisca and Tairona cultures, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Colombia remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1810.[24]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá (July 9) with Masses and processions.[25] Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá in Boyacá draw thousands annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Colombia, aiding conflict victims and indigenous communities, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[26] Catholic education is vital in urban and rural areas.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá and Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, showcasing colonial and Baroque styles.[27]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá in Chiquinquirá and Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá are major pilgrimage destinations.[28]

Historical churches

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Medellín and Cathedral of Saint Peter Claver in Cartagena are significant historical sites.[29]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

The Virgin of Chiquinquirá and Saint Peter Claver, revered for their spiritual and social significance, are Colombia’s patron saints.[30]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints include Saint Peter Claver, died 1654, canonized 1888, known for his work with enslaved Africans; and Saint Laura Montoya, died 1949, canonized 2013, known for her missionary work with indigenous groups.[31] Blessed Mariano de Jesús Euse Hoyos, died 1926, beatified 2000, is noted for his pastoral work.[32]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and violence in conflict zones, with clergy targeted by armed groups.[33] Responses include peacebuilding and promoting saints like Saint Laura Montoya.[34]

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Colombia and education, influencing peace processes and human rights despite constitutional secularism.[35] It fosters community cohesion in Colombia’s diverse society.

References

  1. ↑ "Colombia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Colombia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CO.htm. 
  3. ↑ "Colombia: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Colombia. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04106a.htm. 
  5. ↑ "History of Colombia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Colombia. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in Colombia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Colombia. 
  7. ↑ "Colombia: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Colombia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CO.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Religion in Colombia". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-colombia/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Colombia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CO.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Caritas Colombia: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/colombia/. 
  12. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Colombia (by Ecclesiastical Provinces)". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CO-prov.htm. 
  13. ↑ "Dioceses". Colombian Episcopal Conference. 2024-12-01. https://www.cec.org.co/directorio/diocesis. 
  14. ↑ "Catholicism in Colombia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Colombia. 
  15. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Church in Colombia". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/colombia-catholic-history.html. 
  16. ↑ Catholic News Agency (2019-07-09). "Virgin of Chiquinquirá". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/virgin-of-chiquinquira-555. 
  17. ↑ Vatican News (2024-09-09). "Peter Claver Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saint/2024-09/peter-claver.html. 
  18. ↑ Vatican News (2013-05-12). "Laura Montoya Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2013-05/laura-montoya-canonization.html. 
  19. ↑ Vatican News (2017-09-10). "Pope Francis in Colombia". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2017-09/pope-francis-colombia.html. 
  20. ↑ "Colombia: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  21. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Colombia". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/colombia/. 
  22. ↑ "Colombia: Government". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  23. ↑ "History of Colombia". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Colombia. 
  24. ↑ "Colombia: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/. 
  25. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Colombia". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/colombia. 
  26. ↑ "Caritas Colombia: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/colombia/. 
  27. ↑ "Religious Sites in Colombia". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/colombia/religion.htm. 
  28. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Colombia". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/colombia-pilgrimages.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Colombia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CO.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Colombia". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  31. ↑ Vatican News (2013-05-12). "Laura Montoya Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2013-05/laura-montoya-canonization.html. 
  32. ↑ Vatican News (2000-04-09). "Mariano Euse Beatification". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2000-04/mariano-euse-beatification.html. 
  33. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Colombia". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/colombia/. 
  34. ↑ "The Catholic Church in Colombia". LinkedIn. 2025-05-23. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/catholic-church-colombia-feat-jose-luis-ramos/. 
  35. ↑ "Caritas Colombia: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/colombia/. 

External links

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