Saintapedia

Iran

Stored: Iran

Country: Iran
Historic: No
Existence: –
Continent: Asia
Region: Middle East
Historical Region:
Area: 1648195 km²
Population: 87000000
Catholic Population: 20000
Catholic Percentage: 0.02%
Catholicism Status: Small minority religion, Islamic state
Official Languages: Persian
Capital: Tehran
Catholicism Introduced: 5th century AD
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 1
Dioceses: 5
Patron Saints: Saint Maruthas
Predecessor States:
Successor States:


Iran is a Middle Eastern nation in Western Asia, covering approximately 1,648,195 km² with a population of about 87 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is Persian, and its economy relies on oil, gas, and agriculture. The Catholic Church, with approximately 20,000 adherents (0.02% of the population), is a small minority religion, ranking third after Islam (99%) and other Christian denominations (0.5%), introduced in the 5th century AD through early Christian communities.[2] Catholicism shapes Iran’s minority Christian culture through charity and the patronage of Saint Maruthas.[3]

The Church, with one ecclesiastical province and five dioceses, has a limited presence, primarily in Tehran and Isfahan, and faces significant challenges from Iran’s Islamic state policies, strict religious regulations, and societal restrictions on Christians.[4] Sites like the Vank Cathedral in Isfahan serve as spiritual and cultural hubs for the small Catholic community, reflecting historical Armenian Catholic influence.[5]

Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Iran

Iran
SaintName SaintBirthPlace
Saint Benjamin Persia (modern-day Iran)

Death place

Parameter received: Iran

Iran
SaintName DeathPlace
Saint James Intercisus Beth Lapat, Persia (now Ahvaz, Iran)

Notable locations

Parameter received: Iran

Iran

No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Iran.


Parameter received: Iran

Iran

No saints found with Notable Address 2 matching Iran.


Parameter received: Iran

Iran
SaintName NotableAddress3
Saint Jude Thaddeus St. Thaddeus Monastery, Maku, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran


Parameter received: Iran

Iran

No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Iran.


Parameter received: Iran

Iran

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Iran.

Geography

Iran is located in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea.[6] Its 1,648,195 km² includes the Zagros Mountains, Persian Plateau, and desert basins, with an arid to semi-arid climate. Major cities like Tehran (the capital), Isfahan, and Shiraz host small Catholic communities, primarily among Armenian and Assyrian minorities. The vast terrain and strict government oversight limit Church outreach, particularly in rural areas.[7]

History

Iran’s history spans ancient Persian empires (Achaemenid, Parthian, Sasanian), Islamic conquest in 651 AD, Safavid rule (1501–1736), and the modern Islamic Republic since 1979.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 5th century AD through Nestorian communities, with Chaldean Catholic and Armenian Catholic churches emerging later.[9] The Church grew modestly under Safavid tolerance but has faced severe restrictions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with many Catholics emigrating due to persecution.[10]

Predecessor states

Iran’s territory was part of the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian empires, followed by the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates.[11] The Safavid Empire (1501–1736), which established Shia Islam as the state religion, and the Qajar Dynasty (1789–1925) preceded the modern Pahlavi Dynasty and Islamic Republic.[12] Early Catholic communities, linked to the Church of the East, persisted under Sasanian and Islamic rule, with Armenian Catholics arriving during Safavid relocations.[13]

Successor states

The Islamic Republic of Iran, established in 1979, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.[14] The Catholic Church continues to operate under strict regulations, focusing on humanitarian aid and maintaining its historical presence among Armenian and Chaldean communities.[15]

Demographics

Iran’s 87 million people include 0.02% Catholics (20,000), 99% Muslims (90% Shia, 9% Sunni), and 0.5% other Christians (mostly Armenian Orthodox).[16] Ethnic groups are Persian (61%), Azeri (16%), Kurdish (10%), and Armenian/Assyrian minorities (1%). Catholicism is concentrated in Tehran, Isfahan, and Urmia, primarily among Armenian Catholics and Chaldean Catholics.[17]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Iran comprises one ecclesiastical province, five dioceses (Chaldean, Armenian, and Latin rites), and about 20 parishes, led by the Iranian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.[18] Leaders like Archbishop Ramzi Garmou oversee limited pastoral and charitable activities. The Church operates a few schools and clinics, facing restrictions under Islamic law.[19]

Structure

The Church’s single province aligns with Iran’s regions.[20]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 5th century AD through Nestorian communities, with Chaldean Catholic churches uniting with Rome in the 16th century.[21] Armenian Catholics, relocated by Safavid rulers in the 17th century, established communities in Isfahan.[22]

Key historical events

The 16th-century Chaldean union with Rome marked a Catholic milestone.[23] The 1605 Safavid relocation of Armenians to Isfahan established Vank Cathedral.[24] The 1979 Islamic Revolution imposed strict controls, reducing Catholic presence.[25]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.02% adherence, is a small minority religion in an Islamic state under the 1979 Constitution, which privileges Shia Islam.[26] The Church faces restrictions on worship, church construction, and proselytizing, with limited religious freedom under government oversight.[27]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate feasts like Saint Maruthas (February 4) with small liturgies in Tehran.[28] Armenian Catholic traditions, including Christmas on January 6, persist in Isfahan.[29]

Education and charity

The Church operates a few schools in Tehran and Isfahan, serving Armenian and Chaldean communities.[30] Caritas Iran provides aid to refugees and the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[31]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in Vank Cathedral in Isfahan, built in 1664 with Armenian frescoes.[32] Chaldean churches in Urmia feature simple, traditional designs.[33]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan is a key pilgrimage site for Armenian Catholics.[34] Saint Sarkis Church in Tehran serves urban devotees.[35]

Historical churches

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan, built in 1664, is a cultural landmark.[36] Holy Mary Church in Urmia, built in 1885, serves Chaldean Catholics.[37]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Maruthas, celebrated on February 4, is Iran’s patron.[38]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Maruthas (5th century, bishop and missionary in Persia) and Saint Addai (1st century, early evangelist in Mesopotamia, with devotion in Chaldean communities).[39] No blesseds are directly tied to Iran.[40]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces severe challenges from Iran’s Islamic state policies, including bans on proselytizing, church closures, and arrests of Christians.[41] Emigration and societal discrimination limit growth, countered by discreet charity and interfaith dialogue.[42]

Social and political influence

The Church influences charity and education, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[43] It supports refugees but has no political influence in an Islamic state, focusing on survival under strict regulations.[44]

References

  1. ↑ "Iran". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Iran". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Iran. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Iran". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IR.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Iran". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 
  8. ↑ "Iran". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Persia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11712a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "Ancient Persia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Persia. 
  12. ↑ "Safavid Empire". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/safavid-empire. 
  13. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  14. ↑ "Iran". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Iran. 
  15. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  16. ↑ "Religion in Iran". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-iran/. 
  17. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Iran". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IR.htm. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Education in Iran". Catholic News Agency. 2022-09-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25050/catholic-schools-iran. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Iran". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IR.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Persia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11712a.htm. 
  22. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  23. ↑ "Chaldean Catholic Church". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtehr.html. 
  24. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  25. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  26. ↑ "Religion in Iran". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-iran/. 
  27. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  28. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 
  29. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  30. ↑ "Catholic Education in Iran". Catholic News Agency. 2022-09-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25050/catholic-schools-iran. 
  31. ↑ "Caritas Iran". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/iran/. 
  32. ↑ "Vank Cathedral". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vank-Cathedral-Isfahan. 
  33. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  34. ↑ "Vank Cathedral". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/1253.htm. 
  35. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  36. ↑ "Vank Cathedral". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vank-Cathedral-Isfahan. 
  37. ↑ "Holy Mary Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/holy-mary-church-urmia. 
  38. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 
  39. ↑ "Saint Maruthas". Vatican. 2000-01-01. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2000_en.html. 
  40. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/iran-catholic-church. 
  41. ↑ "Iran’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-08-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-08/iran-catholic-church-community.html. 
  42. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Iran". Catholic News Agency. 2022-10-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25055/catholic-youth-iran. 
  43. ↑ "Caritas Iran". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/iran/. 
  44. ↑ "Catholicism in Iran". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/iran. 

External links

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