| Apostolic Vicariate of Vientiane Vicariatus Apostolicus Vientianensis |
|
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | Laos |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 98,000 km2 (38,000 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics |
(as of 2002) 1.5 million 11,120 (0.8%) |
| Information | |
| Rite | Latin |
| Current leadership | |
| Apostolic Vicar | Jean Khamsé Vithavong, O.M.I |
Vicariate Apostolic of Vientiane (Latin: Vicariatus Apostolicus Vientianensis) is a subdivision of the Roman Catholic Church in Laos.
The vicariate covers the provinces of Houaphan, Xiangkhoang, Vientiane Province, Vientiane Prefecture and most of Bolikhamsai. It is subdivided into 17 parishes.
One of the largest churches is Sacre Coeur in Vientiane which was built in 1928 and renovated in 2004/2005.
The vicariate goes back to the Prefecture Apostolic of Vientiane and Luang-Prabang, which was created on June 14, 1938 by splitting of the northern part of the Vicariate Apostolic of Laos. On March 13, 1952 it was elevated to an apostolic vicariate, and renamed to simply Vientiane. The northern part around Luang Prabang was split off in 1963 and formed the Vicariate Apostolic of Luang Prabang.
The vicariate also had an auxiliary bishop temporarily.