Metropolitan Archdiocese of Buenos Aires
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Buenos Aires (Archidioecesis Metropolitae Bonaerensis) is a primary ecclesiastical territory of the Latin Church within the Catholic Church in Argentina. Serving as a central pillar of faith in the region, this metropolitan archdiocese oversees 13 suffragan sees—including two Eastern Catholic eparchies—making it a critical hub for religious administration in the country.
Historically, the archdiocese held the status of the Primatial see of Argentina, a designation indicating its protocollary first-rank status. However, on July 22, 2024, this primatial honor was transferred to the Archdiocese of Santiago del Estero.
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Key Facts
- Established: April 6, 1620.
- Current Archbishop: Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva (since May 26, 2023).
- Cathedral: Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
- Patron Saint: Nuestra Señora del Buen Aire.
- Rite: Roman Rite of the Latin Church.
- Scope: Covers approximately 78 square miles (200 km) with 186 parishes.
Statistics and Territorial Extent
At the dawn of the twentieth century, Buenos Aires was recognized as the second largest Catholic city in the world, surpassed only by Paris. The archdiocese manages a vast spiritual community; as of 2012, it served approximately 2,671,000 Catholics, representing 91.6% of the total population of 2,917,000.
To maintain efficient pastoral care, the territory is organized into four zonal vicaries: Flores, Devoto, Belgrano, and Centro. These vicaries are further subdivided into 20 deaconates. The workforce consists of hundreds of secular and religious priests, deacons, and lay religious members supporting the mission across its parishes and missions.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,917,000 |
| Catholic Population | 2,671,000 (91.6%) |
| Area | 78 sq mi (200 km) |
| Parishes | 186 |
| Secular Priests | 471 |
Special Churches and Basilicas
The spiritual heart of the archdiocese is the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, located in the national capital. Beyond the cathedral, the region is home to numerous Minor basilicas, which are churches granted special privileges by the Pope due to their historical or spiritual significance.
Notable basilicas include the Basílica de San Nicolás de Bari (a National Shrine), the Basílica de San Francisco de Asís, and the Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento, among others such as those dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar and San José de Flores.
Ecclesiastical Province and Governance
The archdiocese functions as a metropolitan see with eleven suffragan sees (dioceses that fall under the metropolitan's jurisdiction). Nine of these are Latin Rite dioceses, including Avellaneda-Lanús, Lomas de Zamora, and San Isidro. Additionally, the province includes two Eastern Catholic suffragans: the Maronite Eparchy of San Charbel and the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Santa María del Patrocinio.
Current Leadership
The archdiocese is currently led by Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva. He is supported by several Auxiliary Bishops, including Pedro Bernardo Cannavó, Sergio Iván Dornelles, Alejandro Daniel Giorgi, Alejandro Daniel Pardo, and Joaquín Mariano Sucunza.
Historical Evolution
The diocese was originally erected on April 6, 1620, having been split from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paraguay. Over the centuries, its borders shifted frequently as new jurisdictions were created. It lost territory to establish the Apostolic Vicariate of Montevideo in 1832 and the Diocese of Paraná in 1859.
On March 5, 1866, it was elevated to the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese. Further territorial adjustments occurred in 1884, 1897, and 1934 to accommodate the growth of the church in Patagonia and other regions. The archdiocese has also been honored with visits from Pope John Paul II in 1982 and 1987.
One of the most significant figures in its recent history is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who served as Archbishop from 1998 to 2013 before being elected as Pope Francis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Archbishop of Buenos Aires?
The current archbishop is Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva, who assumed the role on May 26, 2023.
What is the significance of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral?
It is the mother church of the archdiocese, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and serves as the primary seat of the archbishop in the national capital of Argentina.
How many suffragan sees does the archdiocese have?
The archdiocese has 13 suffragan sees in total, consisting of nine Latin Rite dioceses and two Eastern Catholic eparchies.
Was the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires always the Primatial see?
It was the Primatial see (the first-rank see) of Argentina for a long period, but this status was transferred to the Archdiocese of Santiago del Estero on July 22, 2024.
Which Pope previously led this archdiocese?
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 until 2013, when he was elected as Pope Francis.