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Roman Catholicism in the Republic of Ireland


Catholic Church in Ireland
Eaglais Chaitliceach na hÉireann
Armagh, St Patricks RC cathedral.jpg
Type National polity
Orientation Catholic Church
Governance Episcopal
Pope Pope Francis
Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin
Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo
Region Island of Ireland
Language English, Irish, Latin
Headquarters Ara Coeli, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Founder St. Patrick, by tradition.
Origin Claims continuity with Gaelic Christianity c. 430. Roman diocesan structure introduced c. 1111 at Synod of Ráth Breasail.
Separations Church of Ireland (1536/1871)
Members 3,729,000 (2016)
Official website Irish Bishops' Conference

The Catholic Church in Ireland (Irish: Eaglais Chaitliceach na hÉireann) is part of the worldwide Catholic Church in communion with the Pope. With 3.7 million members, it is the most populous Christian denomination in Ireland, comprising 78.3% of the population. The Primate of All Ireland is the Archishop of Armagh and the Church ministers to Catholics on an All-Ireland basis; covering both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference is a consultative body for ordinaries in Ireland.

Christianity has existed in Ireland since the 5th century and arrived from Roman Britain (most famously associated with St. Patrick), forming what is today known as Gaelic Christianity. It gradually gained ground and replaced the old pagan traditions. The Catholic Church in Ireland cites its origin to this period and considers Palladius as the first bishop sent to the Gaels by Pope Celestine I. However, during the 12th century a stricter uniformity in the Western Church was enforced, with the diocesan structure introduced with the Synod of Ráth Breasail in 1111 and culminating with the Gregorian Reform which coincided with the Norman invasion of Ireland.


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