Catholic Church in Portugal


Catholic Church in Portugal
Portuguese: Igreja Católica em Portugal
TypeNational polity
ClassificationCatholic
OrientationLatin
ScriptureBible
TheologyCatholic theology
GovernanceEpiscopal Conference of Portugal
PopeFrancis
PrimateJorge Ortiga
Patriarch of LisbonManuel III
Apostolic NuncioIvo Scapolo
RegionPortugal
LanguagePortuguese, Latin
HeadquartersLisbon Cathedral
FounderSt. Peter of Rates
Origin44 A.D.
Lusitania, Roman Empire
Official websiteEpiscopal Conference of Portugal

The Portuguese Catholic Church, or Catholic Church in Portugal, is part of the worldwide Catholic Church in communion with the Pope in Rome, under the Portuguese Episcopal Conference. The Catholic Church is the world's largest Christian organisation. It is Portugal's largest religion and its former state religion, and has existed in the territory since the Iberian Peninsula was ruled by the Roman Empire.

There are an estimated nine million baptised Catholics in Portugal (84% of the population) in twenty dioceses, served by 2789 priests. Although a large number wish to be baptized, married in the church, and receive last rites, only 19% of the national population attend Mass and take the sacraments regularly.

In 2010, the average age of priests was 62.[1] In 2012 88% of the Portuguese population considered themselves Catholic in a commissioned survey of religious attitudes sponsored by a Christian organization.[2]

  1. ^ "Pope's Trip Highlights Changing Face of Europe's Catholics". 2010-06-20. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2019-03-17.
  2. ^ "EuroBarometer" (PDF). Retrieved 29 March 2023.