Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Santiago del Estero, Argentina Verified listing

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

The Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel stands in Santiago del Estero, Northeastern Argentina, as a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral. Since 1907, when Pope Pius X established the diocese, the cathedral has served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santiago del Estero. It honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This Neoclassical building represents the fifth cathedral constructed in one of Argentina’s oldest Spanish settlements. Fires, floods, and deterioration destroyed earlier versions. In 1971, church authorities declared the cathedral a minor basilica, recognizing its spiritual significance. Furthermore, the Argentine government granted it the status of Historical National Monument in 1953, reflecting its cultural and architectural value.

On September 7, 2024, Pope Francis elevated the cathedral to Primatial Cathedral of Argentina. This honor transferred from the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires due to historical considerations. Santiago del Estero’s role in establishing the country’s first local diocese in 1570 contributed to this decision. Simultaneously, the diocese became an archdiocese but continues as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Tucumán. These changes emphasize the cathedral’s ongoing religious and historical importance. The Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica connects Argentina’s Catholic heritage with its present-day church leadership. It remains a spiritual center and a monument to enduring faith in the region.

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