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United States of America

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Stored: United States of America

Country: United States of America
Historic: No
Existence: 1776–
Continent: North America
Region: North America
Historical Region: Thirteen Colonies
Area: 9833517 km²
Population: 345000000
Catholic Population: 69000000
Catholic Percentage: 20%
Catholicism Status: Minority religion
Official Languages: None (English de facto)
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Catholicism Introduced: 16th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 33
Dioceses: 195
Patron Saints: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Predecessor States: Thirteen Colonies
Successor States:


United States, officially the United States of America, is a nation in North America spanning approximately 9,833,517 km², with a population of about 345 million as of 2023.[1] Its de facto language is English, and its economy thrives on technology, finance, and agriculture. The Catholic Church, with approximately 69 million Catholics (20%) as of 2023, is a minority religion, introduced in the 16th century through Spanish and French missions.[2] Centered in cities like Washington, D.C. and New York City, with sites like the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and devotion to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Church significantly shapes cultural and spiritual life.

Geography

The United States spans 9,833,517 km², bordered by Canada, Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and including territories like Puerto Rico.[3] Its diverse climates, from temperate to arid, support agriculture and tourism, sustaining Catholic communities in states like California and Texas. Major cities include New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with Washington, D.C.’s Basilica of the National Shrine as a key Catholic site. Pilgrimage routes, such as those to Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in Florida, foster devotion.[4]

History

Founded in 1776 with independence from Britain, the United States grew from the Thirteen Colonies into a global power.[5] Catholicism, introduced in the 16th century via Spanish missions in Florida and French missions in Louisiana, expanded with immigration from Ireland, Italy, and Latin America.[6] The Church faced anti-Catholic sentiment but gained prominence through schools and charities.

Demographics

The U.S. population is approximately 345 million as of 2023, with 20% (69 million) identifying as Catholic.[7] Catholics are concentrated in states like California, Texas, and New York.[8] The population is diverse, with Whites (60%), Hispanics (18%), and Blacks (13%). Secularism and Protestantism limit Catholic dominance.[9]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in the United States operates through 33 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces and 2 Eastern Catholic metropolitanates, totaling 195 dioceses and eparchies, serving about 69 million Catholics.[10] Primarily Latin Rite, with Eastern Catholic jurisdictions, the Church supports parishes, universities, and charities via Catholic Charities USA, fostering community engagement.

Structure

The Catholic Church in the United States has 33 Latin Rite ecclesiastical provinces and 2 Eastern Catholic metropolitanates, with dioceses and eparchies under metropolitan bishops, totaling 195 jurisdictions.[11][12] Jurisdictions include:

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century through Spanish missions in Florida (1565) and French missions in the Mississippi Valley.[13] It grew with 19th-century immigration, establishing a strong presence by the 20th century.

Key historical events

Milestones include the founding of St. Augustine (1565), the establishment of the Archdiocese of Baltimore (1789), and the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1975).[14] The Church’s role in civil rights movements (1960s) was significant.[15]

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is a minority religion in the United States, with 20% of the population Catholic.[16] The constitution ensures religious freedom, but Protestantism and secularism dominate. The Church retains cultural influence through education and charity.[17]

Predecessor states

The United States emerged from the Thirteen Colonies, British territories that declared independence in 1776.[18] These colonies had minimal Catholic presence initially.

Successor states

The United States remains a modern state with no successor states since 1776.[19]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas, Easter, and the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) with Masses and festivals.[20] Pilgrimages to shrines like Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago are common.

Education and charity

The Church runs universities (e.g., Notre Dame) and supports Catholic Charities USA, aiding the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[21]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is reflected in the Basilica of the National Shrine and Cathedral of Saint Matthew in Washington, D.C., showcasing Gothic and Romanesque styles.[22]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine are major pilgrimage destinations.[23]

Historical churches

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in Missouri and Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco are significant historical sites.[24]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, declared patroness in 1846, is the United States’ patron saint.[25]

Associated saints and blesseds

Saints include Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, died 1821, canonized 1975; Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, died 1917, canonized 1946; and Saint Katharine Drexel, died 1955, canonized 2000.[26] Blessed Stanley Rother, beatified 2017, is notable.[27]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces secularization, declining attendance, and cultural shifts toward pluralism.[28] Responses include youth engagement and promoting saints like Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through Catholic Charities USA and education, influencing debates on immigration and healthcare despite limited political power.[29] It fosters community in a diverse society.

References

  1. ↑ "United States: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/. 
  2. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the United States". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/US.htm. 
  3. ↑ "United States: Geography". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/. 
  4. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: United States. Robert Appleton Company. 
  5. ↑ "History of the United States". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States. 
  6. ↑ "Catholicism in the United States". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_the_United_States. 
  7. ↑ "United States: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the United States". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/US.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Religion in the United States". Pew Research Center. 2020-06-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-united-states/. 
  10. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the United States". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/US.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the United States". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/US.htm. 
  12. ↑ "Dioceses and Bishops". United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2024-12-01. https://www.usccb.org/about/bishops-and-dioceses. 
  13. ↑ "Catholicism in the United States". Wikipedia. 2024-11-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_the_United_States. 
  14. ↑ "Catholic Church in the United States". Vatican News. 2021-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/usa-catholic-history.html. 
  15. ↑ New Advent (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia: United States. Robert Appleton Company. 
  16. ↑ "United States: People and Society". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/. 
  17. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: United States". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/united-states/. 
  18. ↑ "History of the United States". Wikipedia. 2024-11-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States. 
  19. ↑ "United States: Country Summary". CIA World Factbook. 2023-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-states/. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Traditions in the United States". Catholics & Cultures. 2022-08-01. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/united-states. 
  21. ↑ "Catholic Charities USA: Our Work". Catholic Charities USA. 2024-03-10. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/our-work/. 
  22. ↑ "Religious Sites in the United States". Advantour. 2023-06-15. https://www.advantour.com/usa/religion.htm. 
  23. ↑ "Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in the United States". Vatican News. 2021-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-06/usa-pilgrimages.html. 
  24. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the United States". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/US.htm. 
  25. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of the United States". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  26. ↑ "Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of the United States". Vatican. 2023-02-10. https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf. 
  27. ↑ "Stanley Rother Beatification". Vatican News. 2017-09-23. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2017-09/stanley-rother-beatification.html. 
  28. ↑ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: United States". U.S. Department of State. 2022-06-02. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/united-states/. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Charities USA: Our Work". Catholic Charities USA. 2024-03-10. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/our-work/. 

External links

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