Moldova

Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe, spanning approximately 33,851 km², bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. With a population of about 2.5 million, its official language is Romanian (officially called Moldovan), and its economy relies on agriculture, remittances, and emerging industries. The Catholic Church, present since the 14th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 20,000 Catholics (0.8% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to Saint John the Baptist. In a predominantly Orthodox Christian society, the Church plays a modest role in education and charity, facing challenges from secularization and Orthodox dominance.

Stored: Moldova

Country: Moldova
Historic:	No
Existence:	–
Continent:	Europe
Region:	Eastern Europe
Historical Region:
Area:	33851 km²
Population:	2500000
Catholic Population:	20000
Catholic Percentage:	0.8%
Catholicism Status:	Minority religion, Orthodoxy dominant
Official Languages:	Romanian
Capital:	Chișinău
Catholicism Introduced:	14th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	0
Dioceses:	1
Patron Saints:	Saint John the Baptist
Predecessor States:
Successor States:

Geography

Moldova covers 33,851 km², featuring rolling hills, vineyards, and the Dniester River, with a continental climate. The capital, Chișinău, and cities like Bălți and Tiraspol (in the breakaway Transnistria region) host small Catholic communities, with limited pilgrimage sites. The Prut and Dniester rivers support Catholic mission activities in rural areas.

History

Moldova’s history includes Dacian origins, Roman influence, medieval integration into the Principality of Moldavia, Russian and Ottoman rule, Soviet annexation (1940–1991), and independence in 1991. Catholicism emerged in the 14th century through Polish and Hungarian influences, serving ethnic minorities. The Church faced suppression under Soviet rule but was revitalized post-independence with the establishment of the Diocese of Chișinău in 2001.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Moldova)

Demographics

Moldova’s population of approximately 2.5 million is 75% Moldovan, 7% Romanian, 6% Ukrainian, 4% Gagauz, 4% Russian, and 4% other. About 20,000 (0.8%) are Catholic, ranking third behind Orthodox Christians (90.1%) and other Christians (2.6%). Catholics, often ethnic Poles or Ukrainians, are concentrated in Chișinău and northern villages, with secularism growing in urban areas.[](https://www.indexmundi.com/moldova/religions.html)

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Moldova consists of 1 diocese, the Diocese of Chișinău, with approximately 20 parishes, 27 priests, and 24 nuns, directly under the Holy See. Bishop Anton Coșa oversees pastoral and charitable initiatives. The Church operates small schools and social programs, maintaining a modest presence in an Orthodox-dominated society.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Moldova)

Structure

The Church has no ecclesiastical provinces, with the Diocese of Chișinău (Chișinău, covering all of Moldova) as the sole diocese. Key parishes include Divine Providence Cathedral (Chișinău) and St. Joseph Church (Bălți).

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 14th century through Polish and Hungarian missionaries, serving ethnic minorities in the Principality of Moldavia. The Diocese of Chișinău, established in 2001, formalized the Church’s modern presence after centuries of marginalization.[](https://www.asrocatolic.ro/history.htm)

Key historical events

Significant Catholic events include the arrival of Catholicism in the 14th century, suppression under Soviet rule (1940–1991), the re-establishment of Catholic communities in the 1990s, and the creation of the Diocese of Chișinău in 2001. The Church’s property disputes with the government, filed before the European Court of Human Rights, highlight ongoing challenges.[](https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/moldova/)

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church in Moldova is a minority religion, with 0.8% of the population identifying as Catholic in a predominantly Orthodox Christian (90.1%) society. The state is secular, but Orthodoxy holds cultural prominence, limiting Catholic influence to small communities and charitable work.[](https://www.indexmundi.com/moldova/religions.html)

Administrative subdivisions

Moldova is divided into 32 first-level administrative subdivisions called Districts of Moldova, plus three municipalities and two autonomous regions (Gagauzia and Transnistria). Key districts include Chișinău, Bălți, and Cahul. The Diocese of Chișinău covers all regions, supporting limited Catholic activities.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Moldovan Catholics celebrate Saint John the Baptist on June 24 with Masses, particularly at Divine Providence Cathedral. Christmas and Easter incorporate Romanian and Polish traditions, reflecting the Church’s ethnic diversity.

Education and charity

The Church runs small schools and supports charities like Caritas Moldova, aiding rural communities and refugees. These efforts focus on education and humanitarian aid, particularly in Chișinău.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is modest, with Divine Providence Cathedral in Chișinău, built in 2002, serving as a simple modern church. Religious art, including icons of Saint John the Baptist, is limited to parish churches.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Divine Providence Cathedral in Chișinău is the primary Catholic site, hosting devotions on June 24 for Saint John the Baptist. No major pilgrimage sites exist due to the Church’s small presence.

Historical churches

Divine Providence Cathedral, completed in 2002, is Moldova’s main Catholic church. Older churches, like St. Joseph Church in Bălți, serve small communities with basic facilities.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, is Moldova’s Catholic patron, reflecting regional devotion.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints or blesseds are directly associated with Moldova, but Saint John the Baptist and figures like Saint Stanislaus Kostka, venerated by Polish Catholics, hold significance.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from secularization, with Catholic affiliation at 0.8%, and Orthodox dominance (90.1%). Clergy shortages and property disputes with the government hinder growth, though the Church responds with ecumenical dialogue and charity.[](https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/moldova/)

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through charity and advocacy for minorities, particularly ethnic Poles and Ukrainians. Its influence is limited in Moldova’s Orthodox and secular society, but it supports interfaith harmony and refugee aid, especially amid regional tensions.[](https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/moldova/)

External links

• "Diocese of Chișinău". Diocese of Chișinău. 2025-05-01. https://www.dioecesiskishinev.md/.