Honduras

Stored: Honduras

Country: Honduras
Historic:	No
Existence:	1838–
Continent:	North America
Region:	Central America
Historical Region:	Captaincy General of Guatemala
Area:	112492 km²
Population:	10500000
Catholic Population:	4725000
Catholic Percentage:	45%
Catholicism Status:	Minority religion
Official Languages:	Spanish
Capital:	Tegucigalpa
Catholicism Introduced:	16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	2
Dioceses:	10
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of Suyapa
Predecessor States:	Captaincy General of Guatemala
Successor States:

Honduras, officially the Republic of Honduras, is a nation in Central America spanning approximately 112,492 km², with a population of about 10.5 million as of 2023. Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on agriculture, textiles, and remittances. The Catholic Church, with approximately 4.725 million Catholics (45%) as of 2023, is a minority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions. Centered in Tegucigalpa, with devotion to Our Lady of Suyapa and sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa, the Church significantly shapes Honduras’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Honduras spans 112,492 km², bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Its tropical climate and mountainous terrain support coffee and banana production, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Comayagua. Major cities include Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Comayagua, with Tegucigalpa’s Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa as a key pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage routes to Suyapa strengthen Catholic devotion.

History

Honduras gained independence in 1838, succeeding the Captaincy General of Guatemala, with roots in Maya civilizations and Spanish colonization. Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, shaped colonial society but declined post-independence due to secular reforms and Protestant growth. The Church faced challenges during 20th-century political instability but remains influential in education and charity.

Demographics

Honduras’s population is approximately 10.5 million as of 2023, with 45% (4.725 million) identifying as Catholic. Catholics are concentrated in urban areas like Tegucigalpa and rural regions like Olancho. Ethnic groups include Mestizo (90%), Amerindian (7%), and others (3%). Protestantism and secular trends limit Catholic dominance.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Honduras operates through 2 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, totaling 10 dioceses, serving about 4.725 million Catholics under the Honduran Episcopal Conference. The Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Honduras, with lay catechists playing a key role in rural areas.

Structure

The Catholic Church in Honduras has 2 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, aligned with geographic regions, totaling 10 dioceses. Jurisdictions include:

• Ecclesiastical Province of Tegucigalpa:
  • Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa (Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán)
  • Diocese of Choluteca (Choluteca, Choluteca)
  • Diocese of Comayagua (Comayagua, Comayagua)
  • Diocese of Danlí (Danlí, El Paraíso)
  • Diocese of Juticalpa (Juticalpa, Olancho)
  • Diocese of Yoro (Yoro, Yoro)
• Ecclesiastical Province of San Pedro Sula:
  • Archdiocese of San Pedro Sula (San Pedro Sula, Cortés)
  • Diocese of La Ceiba (La Ceiba, Atlántida)
  • Diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán (Santa Rosa de Copán, Copán)
  • Diocese of Trujillo (Trujillo, Colón)

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, notably Franciscans and Dominicans, following the conquest of the Lenca and Maya in the 1530s. Missions established Christianity, with devotion to Our Lady of Suyapa emerging by the 18th century.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

• Establishment of the Diocese of Comayagua (1531), the first in Honduras.
• Discovery of Our Lady of Suyapa statue (1747), sparking national devotion.
• Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa (1954), a major pilgrimage site.
• Canonization of Saint John Paul II’s visit (1983), boosting Catholic morale.

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is a minority religion in Honduras, with 45% of the population Catholic. The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Protestantism’s growth has reduced Catholic influence. The Church retains cultural significance through festivals and education.

Administrative subdivisions

Honduras is divided into 18 first-level administrative subdivisions, known as departments, each governed by a governor appointed by the president. These departments manage local administration, with Catholic dioceses often aligned with departmental boundaries. The departments are:

• Atlántida
• Choluteca
• Colón
• Comayagua
• Copán
• Cortés
• El Paraíso
• Francisco Morazán
• Gracias a Dios
• Intibucá
• Islas de la Bahía
• La Paz
• Lempira
• Ocotepeque
• Olancho
• Santa Bárbara
• Valle
• Yoro

Predecessor states

Honduras emerged from the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a Spanish colonial territory (1609–1821) encompassing much of Central America. Preceding it were indigenous civilizations like the Lenca and Maya, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Honduras remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1838.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Suyapa (February 3) with Masses and processions. Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa draw thousands annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Honduras, aiding the poor and disaster victims, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic education is vital in rural areas.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa and Cathedral of San Pedro Sula, showcasing colonial and modern styles.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa and Comayagua Cathedral are major pilgrimage destinations.

Historical churches

The Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel in Tegucigalpa and Comayagua Cathedral are significant historical sites.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Suyapa, revered for her spiritual significance, is Honduras’s patron saint.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are native to Honduras, but Saint John Paul II, who visited in 1983, is celebrated for his pastoral impact. Blessed María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, died 1959, beatified 2021, is notable for her charity work.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth, secularization, and violence against clergy in regions like Olancho. Responses include peacebuilding and promoting figures like Our Lady of Suyapa.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Honduras and education, influencing poverty reduction and human rights despite limited political power. It fosters community cohesion in Honduras’s diverse society.

External links

• "Honduras". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/honduras/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in Honduras". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/HN.htm. 
• "Annuario Pontificio: Honduras". Vatican. 2024-01-15. http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/honduras.