Diocese of Rome

Stored: Diocese of Rome

Diocese: Diocese of Rome
Status:
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Type:	Archdiocese
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Country:	Italy
Region:	Lazio
Bishop:	Francis
Website:	https://www.diocesidiroma.it/
Newspaper:	https://www.osservatoreromano.va/en.html
Catholic Percentage:	%
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Existence:	–
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The Diocese of Rome (Latin: Dioecesis Urbis seu Romana, Italian: Diocesi di Roma) is a Latin Church archdiocese of the Catholic Church in Italy, located in the Lazio region and encompassing Rome and parts of the Vatican City. Traditionally founded in the 1st century by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it serves as the Holy See, the central governing authority of the global Catholic Church.

The current bishop, Pope Leo XIV, has led since May 8, 2025, as the 267th pope and bishop of Rome. As of 2025, the diocese serves approximately 2,408,000 registered Catholics across 334 parishes, within a total population of about 2,872,800.

The Diocese of Rome holds a unique role as the primatial see of the Catholic Church, with the pope exercising supreme authority over its governance and doctrine.

Establishment

The Diocese of Rome traces its origins to the 1st century, traditionally attributed to the apostolic ministry of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. While no precise founding date exists, early Christian tradition holds that Peter, the first pope, established the see around 42–67 CE before his martyrdom. The diocese was formalized as Christianity grew in Rome, becoming the central authority of the Church by the 2nd century under bishops like Pope Clement I.

History

Apostolic and Early Christian Era (1st–4th Century)

The Diocese of Rome emerged as a leading Christian center due to its status as the capital of the Roman Empire and the martyrdoms of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Early bishops, such as Pope Linus and Pope Clement I, organized the growing Christian community amidst persecutions. The Edict of Milan (313 CE) under Constantine I legalized Christianity, allowing the diocese to establish basilicas like Old St. Peter’s Basilica.

Medieval Period (5th–15th Century)

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE elevated the bishop of Rome’s role, with popes like Pope Leo I and Pope Gregory I asserting spiritual and temporal authority. The diocese’s influence grew through the Donation of Pepin (756 CE), establishing the Papal States. The Lateran Basilica became the cathedral, and the diocese managed Rome’s churches and charitable works.

Modern Era (16th–Present)

The Council of Trent (1545–1563) reformed diocesan administration, strengthening the bishop’s role. The loss of the Papal States in 1870 confined the diocese to Rome and Vatican City, formalized by the Lateran Treaty (1929). Under Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, the diocese has focused on evangelization, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, with initiatives like the Jubilee Year celebrations.

Geography

The Diocese of Rome encompasses the city of Rome and parts of Vatican City, covering approximately 849 km² (328 square miles) in the Lazio region. It is divided into five pastoral sectors: North, South, East, West, and Central. The diocese includes 334 parishes, seven major basilicas, and numerous historic churches, serving both residents and pilgrims.

Mother Church

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome serves as the mother church of the diocese. Known as the “Mother and Head of all Churches in the World,” this 4th-century basilica is the cathedral of the bishop of Rome and the seat of major papal liturgies.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) has served as bishop of Rome since March 13, 2013. The first Jesuit and non-European pope in centuries, he emphasizes mercy, environmental stewardship, and social justice, leading the global Church and the diocese.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Saint Peter	c. 42–67	First pope; martyred in Rome.
Pope Linus	c. 67–79	Organized early Christian community.
Pope Clement I	c. 88–99	Authored influential epistle; martyred.
Pope Leo I	440–461	Asserted papal primacy; known as Leo the Great.
Pope Gregory I	590–604	Reformed liturgy; known as Gregory the Great.
Pope Pius IX	1846–1878	Defined Immaculate Conception; lost Papal States.
Pope John Paul II	1978–2005	Promoted global evangelization; canonized.
Pope Benedict XVI	2005–2013	Focused on theology; resigned.

• Note*: This table lists selected popes due to the extensive number (266); a complete list is available on Vatican records.

Statistics

The Diocese of Rome covers 849 square miles (2,199 km²). As of 2025, it serves 2,408,000 registered Catholics (83.8% of 2,872,800 total population) across 334 parishes, with approximately 1,800 priests and 5,600 religious. The diocese includes seven major basilicas and 68 minor basilicas, serving millions of pilgrims annually.

Parishes

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The diocese serves over 2408000 Catholics through its 334 parishes and [Data limited] Catholic schools. Please use Form:Parish to create parishes. The list of it's parishes can be found at https://www.diocesidiroma.it/en/parishes.

Parish Name	City	Website
Santa Maria Maggiore	Rome	Santa Maria Maggiore
San Paolo Fuori le Mura	Rome	San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Santa Maria del Popolo	Rome	[No website available]
San Clemente	Rome	San Clemente

• Note*: This table includes a sample of parishes due to space constraints. A complete list is available on the diocese’s website.

Mission and Services

Parishes

The diocese oversees 334 parishes across five pastoral sectors, serving as centers for worship, catechesis, and pilgrimage. Major basilicas like Santa Maria Maggiore and San Paolo Fuori le Mura host global pilgrims, while local parishes support community needs.

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic education through pontifical universities (e.g., Pontifical Gregorian University) and parish-based catechetical programs. Specific data on primary and secondary schools is limited, but the diocese oversees seminaries like the Roman Major Seminary for priestly formation.

Catholic Schools

Data on primary and secondary Catholic schools is limited, but the diocese supports higher education through institutions like the Pontifical Lateran University. Parish catechesis and seminaries remain central to its educational mission.

Community Outreach

The diocese engages in extensive community service through organizations like Caritas Roma, providing food, housing, and healthcare for the poor, migrants, and homeless. Programs include soup kitchens and shelters, serving thousands annually.

External Links

• Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
• Caritas Roma
• [No diocesan newspaper; see Vatican News at https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html]