The Latin Church

The Latin Church or Roman Church is spread all over the world, and represents all but a little of the Roman Catholic Church's population.

The Latin liturgy and the Oriental (Eastern Rite) liturgy are the two major liturgies in the Catholic Church.

The Latin Church joins the 21 Oriental Catholic Churches to form the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Of the nearly 1.1 billion (110 crore or 1100 million) Roman Catholics world over, the Latin Church's strength is more than 90 percent or over 1 billion.

The Latin Church in India is spread nationwide and has a following of about 14 million (1.4 crore).

Latin Christianity in India

The present Latin Church in India had its origin from the missionary work of the Western missionaries. In 1534, the diocese of Goa was established. St Francis Xavier, Robert De Nobili, and Constant Lievens were a few dominant missionaries. In 1886, the Indian Latin hierarchy was established.

The Christian mission among the Tribals, Dalits, and backward classes of India is one of the main factors for their awakening and the formation of political movements and organizations to fight for their legitimate rights and justice.

Population in India (Approximate figures)

Total Christian population - 28 million

Latin Catholics - 14 million

Dioceses and Archdioceses in India

Latin Church in India: 122 (22 Archdioceses)

The Catholic Church

Index   Roman Catholic Church   Structure & Ranks of the Catholic Church

Latin Church   Oriental Catholic Churches   Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Knanaya Catholics   Syro-Malankara Catholic Church