Italy
Stored: Italian Republic
| Country: Italian Republic | |
| Historic: | No |
| Existence: | 1861– |
| Continent: | Europe |
| Region: | Southern Europe |
| Historical Region: | Mediterranean |
| Area: | 301340 km² |
| Population: | 59000000 |
| Catholic Population: | 47000000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 80% |
| Catholicism Status: | Majority religion |
| Official Languages: | Italian |
| Capital: | Rome |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 1st century AD |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 42 |
| Dioceses: | 226 |
| Patron Saints: | Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Catherine of Siena |
| Predecessor States: | Papal States, Kingdom of Sardinia |
| Successor States: | |
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a nation in Southern Europe spanning approximately 301,340 km², with a population of about 59 million as of 2023.[1] Its official language is Italian, and its economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Catholic Church, with approximately 47 million Catholics (80%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 1st century AD by apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul.[2] Centered in Rome, home to the Vatican City and sites like the Basilica of Saint Peter, the Church profoundly shapes Italy’s cultural and spiritual identity, with devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena.
Geography
Italy covers 301,340 km², located in Southern Europe, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the Mediterranean Sea.[3] Its Mediterranean climate supports agriculture and tourism, vital for Catholic communities in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. Major cities include Rome, Milan, and Assisi, with Rome hosting the Vatican City and the Basilica of Saint Peter. Italy’s geography, with its historic pilgrimage routes like the Via Francigena, fosters Catholic devotion.[4]
History
Italy unified as a modern state in 1861, emerging from the Papal States, Kingdom of Sardinia, and other regional entities.[5] Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with Rome becoming the center of the Catholic Church.[6] The Church’s influence persisted through the Roman Empire, Middle Ages, and modern era, shaping Italy’s cultural and political landscape.
Demographics
Italy’s population is approximately 59 million as of 2023, with 80% identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics number approximately 47 million, concentrated in urban centers like Rome and rural areas like Sicily.[8] Ethnic Italians dominate (95%), with minorities including Romanians and North Africans. Secularization is increasing, but Catholicism remains dominant.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in Italy operates through 42 ecclesiastical provinces and 226 dioceses, serving approximately 47 million Catholics, led by the Pope in Vatican City.[10] The Church, primarily Latin Rite, includes parishes across Italy and supports extensive educational and charitable networks through organizations like Caritas Italy.
Structure
The Catholic Church in Italy has 42 ecclesiastical provinces, with dioceses under metropolitan bishops.[11] Key jurisdictions include:
- Latin Rite:
- Archdiocese of Rome (Rome)
- Archdiocese of Milan (Milan)
- Archdiocese of Florence (Florence)
- Archdiocese of Naples (Naples)
- Diocese of Assisi (Assisi)
- Armenian Rite:
- None
- Chaldean Rite:
- None
- Syriac Rite:
- None
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, who established the Church in Rome, making it the epicenter of Christianity.[12] The Church grew rapidly, becoming the state religion of the Roman Empire by 380 AD.
Key historical events
Milestones include the martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (circa 64–68 AD), the Edict of Thessalonica (380 AD), and the establishment of Vatican City as a sovereign state in 1929 via the Lateran Treaty.[13] The Church’s role in Italian unification (1861–1870) was significant.[14]
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church is Italy’s majority religion, with 80% of the population identifying as Catholic.[15] Italy’s constitution grants religious freedom, but Catholicism enjoys cultural prominence. The Church faces challenges from secularization but remains influential.[16]
Predecessor states
Italy emerged from the Papal States, Kingdom of Sardinia, and other regional states, unified in 1861.[17] The Roman Empire and medieval city-states also shaped its historical identity.
Successor states
Italy remains a modern state with no successor states since its unification in 1861.[18]
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and feasts like Saint Francis of Assisi’s (October 4) with processions and liturgies.[19] Pilgrimages to Assisi and Loreto are widespread.
Education and charity
The Church runs schools, universities, and hospitals, with Caritas Italy aiding migrants and the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[20]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of Saint Peter, Sistine Chapel, and Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis, showcasing Renaissance and medieval art.[21]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
The Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City and Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi are major pilgrimage destinations.[22]
Historical churches
The Basilica of Saint John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome are significant historical sites.[23]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena, revered for their spiritual legacy, are Italy’s patron saints.[24]
Associated saints and blesseds
Saints include Saint Peter, martyred circa 64 AD, canonized in the 1st century; Saint Francis of Assisi, died 1226, canonized in 1228; and Saint Catherine of Siena, died 1380, canonized in 1461.[25] Blessed Carlo Acutis, beatified in 2020, is a modern figure.[26]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Church faces secularization, declining church attendance, and cultural shifts toward individualism.[27] Responses include renewed evangelization and youth engagement through figures like Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Social and political influence
The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, healthcare, and charity via Caritas Italy, retaining cultural influence despite limited political power.[28] It fosters social cohesion in Italy’s diverse society.
References
- ↑ "Italy: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Italy: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Italy. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ "History of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy.
- ↑ "Italy: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Religion in Italy". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-italy/.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Italy". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/IT.htm.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Italy.
- ↑ "Vatican City". Vatican News. 2020-02-11. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-02/lateran-treaty-history.html.
- ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Italy. Robert Appleton Company.
- ↑ "Italy: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/.
- ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/.
- ↑ "History of Italy". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Italy.
- ↑ "Italy: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/italy/.
- ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Italy". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/italy.
- ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/.
- ↑ "Religious Sites in Italy". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/italy/religion.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Italy". Vatican News. 2020-10-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/italy-pilgrimages.html.
- ↑ "2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy". U.S. Department of State. 2020-05-12. https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/.
- ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Italy". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf.
- ↑ "Carlo Acutis Beatification". Vatican News. 2020-10-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/carlo-acutis-beatification.html.
- ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Italy". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/italy/.
- ↑ "Caritas Italy: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/italy/.