The Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan
serves as the spiritual home for Catholics across Belize, entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding the faithful. Established to guide and strengthen the Church in Belize, the Diocese is committed to living out the teachings of Christ through worship, education, evangelization, and service.
Our Diocese is comprised of vibrant parishes, schools, and ministries that reach into every corner of the country. With the leadership of our Bishop, priests, deacons, religious communities, and lay faithful, we work together to nurture spiritual growth, promote Catholic values, and respond to the needs of our people.
A Brief Look at Belize and Our People
Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America, is a nation known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Home to a diverse population — including Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Maya, East Indian, Mennonite, and others — Belize is a tapestry of cultures and traditions united under one flag.
The Diocese embraces this diversity, serving people from every walk of life and recognizing the unique contributions each community makes to the life of the Church. Our faithful reflect the heart of Belize: resilient, welcoming, and deeply rooted in family and community values.
Our Territory and History
The Diocese’s territory covers 8,867 square miles with a present population of about 405,272, of which 40.1% are Roman Catholics (December 2014).
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize was established on February 29, 1956, with the appointment of Most Rev. David Francis Hickey, S.J., as the first Bishop of Belize. With the dedication of the new capital Belmopan in 1970, the Diocese’s name was expanded to The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, with each city having a co-cathedral. Today, the Diocese comprises the whole of Belize, Central America.
In 2022, Archbishop Santiago de Wit Guzmán was appointed the Apostolic Nuncio to Belize and the Antilles, further strengthening our connection with the universal Church.
Continuing Our Mission
Rooted in a rich Catholic heritage, we continue to build on the foundation laid by generations of missionaries, clergy, and faithful who dedicated their lives to spreading the Good News. Today, the Diocese stands as a beacon of unity and hope, embracing the diversity of Belize and fostering a culture of faith, service, and compassion.
Our mission is not only to care for the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community but also to be a source of light and support for all people of goodwill. Through the celebration of the sacraments, the formation of youth and families, charitable outreach, and a commitment to justice and peace, the Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan continues to walk with God’s people on their journey of faith.
serves as the spiritual home for Catholics across Belize, entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding the faithful. Established to guide and strengthen the Church in Belize, the Diocese is committed to living out the teachings of Christ through worship, education, evangelization, and service.
Our Diocese is comprised of vibrant parishes, schools, and ministries that reach into every corner of the country. With the leadership of our Bishop, priests, deacons, religious communities, and lay faithful, we work together to nurture spiritual growth, promote Catholic values, and respond to the needs of our people.
A Brief Look at Belize and Our People
Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America, is a nation known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Home to a diverse population — including Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Maya, East Indian, Mennonite, and others — Belize is a tapestry of cultures and traditions united under one flag.
The Diocese embraces this diversity, serving people from every walk of life and recognizing the unique contributions each community makes to the life of the Church. Our faithful reflect the heart of Belize: resilient, welcoming, and deeply rooted in family and community values.
Our Territory and History
The Diocese’s territory covers 8,867 square miles with a present population of about 405,272, of which 40.1% are Roman Catholics (December 2014).
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize was established on February 29, 1956, with the appointment of Most Rev. David Francis Hickey, S.J., as the first Bishop of Belize. With the dedication of the new capital Belmopan in 1970, the Diocese’s name was expanded to The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, with each city having a co-cathedral. Today, the Diocese comprises the whole of Belize, Central America.
In 2022, Archbishop Santiago de Wit Guzmán was appointed the Apostolic Nuncio to Belize and the Antilles, further strengthening our connection with the universal Church.
Continuing Our Mission
Rooted in a rich Catholic heritage, we continue to build on the foundation laid by generations of missionaries, clergy, and faithful who dedicated their lives to spreading the Good News. Today, the Diocese stands as a beacon of unity and hope, embracing the diversity of Belize and fostering a culture of faith, service, and compassion.
Our mission is not only to care for the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community but also to be a source of light and support for all people of goodwill. Through the celebration of the sacraments, the formation of youth and families, charitable outreach, and a commitment to justice and peace, the Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan continues to walk with God’s people on their journey of faith.