Saintapedia

Mexico

(Redirected from Mexican)

Stored: Mexico

Country: Mexico
Historic: No
Existence: 1821–
Continent: North America
Region: Central America
Historical Region: New Spain
Area: 1964375 km²
Population: 129000000
Catholic Population: 99000000
Catholic Percentage: 77%
Catholicism Status: Majority religion
Official Languages: Spanish
Capital: Mexico City
Catholicism Introduced: 16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 22
Dioceses: 97
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Juan Diego
Predecessor States: New Spain
Successor States:


Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a nation in North America spanning approximately 1,964,375 km², with a population of about 129 million as of 2023.[1] Its official language is Spanish, and its economy relies on manufacturing, oil, and tourism. The Catholic Church, with approximately 99 million Catholics (77%) as of 2023, is the majority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions.[2] Centered in Mexico City, with sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego, the Church profoundly shapes Mexico’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Geography

Mexico spans 1,964,375 km², bordered by the United States, Guatemala, Belize, and the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.[3] Its diverse climates, from tropical to arid, support agriculture and tourism, sustaining Catholic communities in regions like Jalisco. Major cities include Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with Mexico City’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a global pilgrimage hub. Pilgrimage routes to San Juan de los Lagos and Our Lady of Zapopan reinforce Catholic devotion.[4]

History

Mexico gained independence in 1821, succeeding New Spain, with roots in Mesoamerican civilizations and Spanish colonization.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, became central to Mexican identity, despite 19th-century anticlerical reforms.[6] The Church faced persecution during the Cristero War (1926–1929) but regained influence post-1992 constitutional reforms.

Demographics

Mexico’s population is approximately 129 million as of 2023, with 77% (99 million) identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics are widespread, particularly in central and southern states like Puebla.[8] Ethnic groups include Mestizos (60%), Amerindians (30%), and Whites (9%). Secularization and Protestant growth challenge Catholic dominance.[9]

Catholic church

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The Catholic Church in Mexico operates through 22 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces and 2 Eastern Catholic eparchies, totaling 97 dioceses and eparchies, serving about 99 million Catholics under the Mexican Episcopal Conference.[10] Primarily Latin Rite, the Church supports parishes, schools, and charities via Caritas Mexico, reinforcing its societal role.

Structure

The Catholic Church in Mexico has 22 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces, aligned with geographic regions, and 2 Eastern Catholic eparchies, totaling 97 jurisdictions.[11][12] Jurisdictions include:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries, notably Franciscans and Dominicans, following Cortés’s conquest in 1521.[13] Missions established Christianity, with Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparition in 1531 fostering mass conversions.

Key historical events

Milestones include:

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is Mexico’s majority religion, with 77% of the population Catholic.[16] The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Catholicism’s cultural dominance persists despite secular reforms. The Church influences education and social norms.[17]

Administrative subdivisions

Mexico is divided into 32 first-level administrative subdivisions, comprising 31 states and Mexico City, a federal entity with state-like autonomy.[18] Each state has its own constitution, governor, and legislature, managing local governance, while Mexico City operates similarly but hosts the federal government. These subdivisions shape regional Catholic organization, with dioceses often aligned with state boundaries. The states and federal entity are:

Predecessor states

Mexico emerged from New Spain, a Spanish viceroyalty (1521–1821) that governed much of North America, including modern Mexico.[19] Preceding New Spain were Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztec Empire and Maya civilization, which Catholicism transformed post-conquest.

Successor states

Mexico remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1821.[20]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) with Masses, processions, and festivals.[21] Pilgrimages to Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe draw millions annually.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and supports Caritas Mexico, aiding the poor and migrants, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[22]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage shines in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, showcasing Baroque and colonial styles.[23]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and San Juan de los Lagos in Jalisco are major pilgrimage destinations.[24]

Historical churches

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Oaxaca are significant historical sites.[25]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego, revered for their spiritual significance, are Mexico’s patron saints.[26]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints include Saint Juan Diego, died 1548, canonized 2002; Saint José María Robles Hurtado, martyred 1927, canonized 2000; and Saint Cristóbal Magallanes, martyred 1927, canonized 2000.[27] Blessed María Concepción Cabrera de Armida, beatified 2019, is notable for her spiritual writings.[28]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces secularization, Protestant growth, and violence against clergy in regions like Guerrero.[29] Responses include peacebuilding and promoting figures like Saint Cristóbal Magallanes.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas Mexico and education, influencing migration and human rights debates despite constitutional secularism.[30] It fosters social cohesion in Mexico’s diverse society.

References

  1. ↑ "Mexico". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mexico". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MX.htm. 
  3. ↑ "Mexico: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: Mexico. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10248a.htm. 
  5. ↑ "History of Mexico". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mexico. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in Mexico". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Mexico. 
  7. ↑ "Mexico: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mexico". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MX.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Religion in Mexico". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-mexico/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mexico". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MX.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mexico". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MX.htm. 
  12. ↑ "Dioceses". Mexican Episcopal Conference. 2024-12-01. https://www.cem.org.mx/directorio/diocesis. 
  13. ↑ "Catholicism in Mexico". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Mexico. 
  14. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Church in Mexico". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/mexico-catholic-history.html. 
  15. ↑ Vatican News (2002-07-31). "Juan Diego Canonization". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2002-07/juan-diego-canonization.html. 
  16. ↑ "Mexico: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  17. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mexico". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/mexico/. 
  18. ↑ "Mexico: Government". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  19. ↑ "History of Mexico". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mexico. 
  20. ↑ "Mexico: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mexico/. 
  21. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in Mexico". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/mexico. 
  22. ↑ "Caritas Mexico: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/mexico/. 
  23. ↑ "Religious Sites in Mexico". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/mexico/religion.htm. 
  24. ↑ Vatican News (2021-06-10). "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in Mexico". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/mexico-pilgrimages.html. 
  25. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Mexico". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MX.htm. 
  26. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Mexico". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  27. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Mexico". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  28. ↑ Vatican News (2019-05-04). "María Concepción Cabrera Beatification". Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-05/cabrera-beatification.html. 
  29. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mexico". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/mexico/. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Mexico: Our Work". Caritas. 2024-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/mexico/. 

External links

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