Roman Catholicism in Colombia

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The Roman Catholic Church in Colombia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome.

It is one of the most Catholic countries in the world with over 41 million adherents - 96% of the population. There are 74 dioceses and other territorial jurisdictions.

Catholicism was introduced in 1508. Two dioceses were organized in 1534. There was appreciable Church growth by the mid-17th century, in spite of the variety of Indian languages, government interference, and competition among religious orders. Some persecution followed the declaration of independence from Spain, in 1819.