North America
North America is the third-largest continent, spanning approximately 24.71 million km² and home to about 600 million people as of 2023, representing about 7% of the global population.[1] Stretching from the Arctic to Central America, it encompasses diverse cultures, economies, and religions, with Christianity, including Catholicism, being predominant.
The Catholic Church, with approximately 180 million adherents (about 30% of North America’s population), is a major faith, particularly in countries like:
Introduced in the 16th century, Catholicism has shaped the continent’s culture through saints, shrines, and missionary work, despite challenges from secularism and Protestantism.
Countries
| country name | population | catholic population | catholic percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 103,000 | 8,200 | 8.0 |
| Bahamas | 401,000 | 48,000 | 12.0 |
| Barbados | 282,000 | 11,000 | 4.0 |
| Belize | 410,000 | 164,000 | 40.0 |
| Canada | 42,000,000 | 12,600,000 | 30.0 |
| Costa Rica | 5,200,000 | 3,640,000 | 70.0 |
| Cuba | 11,200,000 | 6,700,000 | 60.0 |
| Dominica | 72,000 | 44,000 | 61.0 |
| Dominican Republic | 10,800,000 | 5,200,000 | 48.0 |
| El Salvador | 6,500,000 | 3,250,000 | 50.0 |
| Greenland | 56,000 | 100 | 0.2 |
| Grenada | 117,000 | 52,000 | 44.4 |
| Guatemala | 18,000,000 | 8,100,000 | 45.0 |
| Haiti | 11,700,000 | 6,400,000 | 55.0 |
| Honduras | 10,500,000 | 4,725,000 | 45.0 |
| Jamaica | 2,800,000 | 56,000 | 2.0 |
| Mexico | 129,000,000 | 99,000,000 | 77.0 |
| Nicaragua | 7,000,000 | 3,500,000 | 50.0 |
| Panama | 4,500,000 | 3,375,000 | 75.0 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 54,000 | 5,400 | 10.0 |
| Saint Lucia | 184,000 | 112,000 | 61.0 |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 104,000 | 7,300 | 7.0 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 1,500,000 | 300,000 | 20.0 |
| United States of America | 345,000,000 | 69,000,000 | 20.0 |
Geography
North America covers 24.71 million km², bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and South America to the south.[3] Its diverse climates range from Arctic tundra to Central American tropics, supporting economies like technology in the U.S. and agriculture in Mexico.
Major cities host significant Catholic communities such as:
Geography facilitates Catholic pilgrimages, with routes connecting sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico and the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Canada.[4] Mountainous and coastal regions house historic churches, integrating Catholicism into North America’s varied landscapes.
Catholic history
Catholicism in North America began in the 16th century, introduced by Spanish and French colonizers and missionaries like the Jesuits.[5]
- The Church grew in Mexico under Spanish rule, becoming dominant, while French missionaries evangelized Canada, and English Catholics faced restrictions in the U.S.
- Key events include the:
- Establishment of dioceses in Mexico City (1530) and Quebec (1674)
- Franciscan missions in California during the 18th century
- The 20th century saw growth in the U.S. and challenges from secularism in Canada.
The Church operates 432 dioceses across North America, led by national episcopal conferences.[6]
Demographics
North America’s population is approximately 600 million, with Catholics numbering about 180 million (30%), concentrated in:
- Mexico (100 million, 80% of its population)
- United States (70 million, 22%)
- Canada (13 million, 38%)[7]
Ethnic diversity includes Hispanics, Anglo-Americans, and French-Canadians, with Catholicism stronger in Hispanic and urban communities. In countries like Belize and Jamaica, Catholics are a minority (10–40%) amid Protestant and secular groups. Secularization and declining attendance pose challenges, but Catholic communities remain active in education and charity.[8]
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced to North America in the 16th century, through Spanish colonizers in Mexico and French missionaries in Canada, led by figures like Saint Juan Diego.[9]
- The Franciscans and Jesuits established missions in Mexico and the U.S. Southwest, while French clergy evangelized Quebec.
- The Church adapted to Indigenous cultures, particularly in Mexico.
- By the 17th century, Catholicism had rooted in Mexico and Quebec, despite resistance in English colonies.[10]
Key historical events
Key Catholic events in North America include the establishment of the:
- Archdiocese of Mexico City in 1530, the first in the Americas
- Archdiocese of Quebec in 1674, a French colonial hub.[11]
The apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 spurred Mexican devotion.
The 1987 papal visit by Pope John Paul II to the U.S. boosted Catholic identity.
Recent events include the 2016 canonization of Saint Junípero Serra and ongoing Church growth in Central America.[12]
Catholicism Status
Catholicism is a major religion in North America (30%), dominant in Mexico, while a significant minority in the U.S. and Canada amid Protestant and secular groups.[13] In the U.S., the Church faces secularization and cultural shifts, while in Mexico, it remains culturally central. Catholicism influences education and charity through organizations like Caritas, with legal recognition in most countries, though secular policies challenge its public role.[14]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
Major pilgrimage sites include the:
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, drawing millions annually
- Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec, Canada, a key devotional site[15]
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., a U.S. landmark
- In Guatemala, the Basilica of the Black Christ of Esquipulas attracts devotees
Historical Churches
Historical churches include:
- Catedral Metropolitana de México, built in 1573, a symbol of Mexican Catholicism[16]
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Montréal, constructed in 1829, a Canadian landmark
- Mission San Xavier del Bac in Arizona, U.S., built in 1797
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
North America’s patron saints include:
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of Mexico
- Saint Junípero Serra, patron of California, canonized in 2015[17]
- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, patron of Indigenous peoples, canonized in 2012
Associated saints and blesseds
Associated figures include:
- Saint Juan Diego, Mexican visionary, canonized in 2002
- Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, Canadian founder, beatified in 1982[18]
- Saint André Bessette, Canadian miracle worker, canonized in 2010
- Blessed Solanus Casey, U.S. priest, beatified in 2017
They highlight North America’s diverse Catholic heritage. Their contributions range from missionary work to charity.
See Also
References
- ↑ "North America". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/continents/north-america/.
- ↑ "Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population". Pew Research Center. 2011-12-19. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/.
- ↑ "North America". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/continents/north-america/.
- ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in North America". Catholic News Agency. 2022-07-20. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252987/north-american-pilgrimage-destinations.
- ↑ Herbermann, Charles G. (1913). The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in North America". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/continent/na.htm.
- ↑ "Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population". Pew Research Center. 2011-12-19. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in North America". Catholics & Cultures. 2023-06-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/north-america.
- ↑ Herbermann, Charles G. (1913). The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/.
- ↑ "History of the Catholic Church in North America". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-01-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/scna.html.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in North America". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/continent/na.htm.
- ↑ "Vatican News: North America". Vatican News. 2024-11-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/north-america.html.
- ↑ "Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population". Pew Research Center. 2011-12-19. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/.
- ↑ "Catholic Church in North America". Catholics & Cultures. 2023-06-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/north-america.
- ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in North America". Catholic News Agency. 2022-07-20. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252987/north-american-pilgrimage-destinations.
- ↑ "Catedral Metropolitana de México". Wikipedia. 2024-10-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City_Cathedral.
- ↑ "List of Saints from North America". Wikipedia. 2024-09-10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_North_American_saints.
- ↑ "List of Saints from North America". Wikipedia. 2024-09-10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_North_American_saints.
External links
- "North America". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/continents/north-america/.
- "Catholic Dioceses in North America". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/continent/na.htm.
- "Catholic Church in North America". Catholics & Cultures. 2023-06-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/north-america.