The Catholic Church in Qatar is part of the worldwide Catholic Church.
History
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Qatar forms part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia.
In 2023, there are about 350,000 Catholics in Qatar (including 9 priests),[1][2] most of whom are expatriate workers from the Philippines, Europe and India.[3]
Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Catholic church in Qatar, and also the first in an Arab Muslim emirate, was dedicated in the capital, Doha, on March 14, 2008.[4] The church cost $15 million to build and received contributions from Catholics throughout the Arabian Peninsula.[5] Previously, Catholics and other Christians were limited to informal group meetings in homes.[6] Catholic Mass is offered there in nine different languages.[7] Priests have noted that most services are held on Fridays.[8]
There are two Eastern Catholic Churches, St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church and St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Catholics and Cultures website, Retrieved 2023-07-05
- ^ Ramesh Mathew (22 February 2014). "Prince Charles visits churches in Abu Hamour". Gulf Times. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ^ US State Dept 2022 report
- ^ "First Catholic Church in Arabic Country To Be Dedicated to Mary". Catholic News Agency. March 3, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-03.
- ^ John Terrett (March 25, 2007). "Christian church rises in Arabia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
- ^ "Religious Freedom Gains New Foothold in Qatar". Christianity Today. March 6, 2000. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
- ^ Harvard Divinity School website
- ^ AP News, Retrieved 2023-07-05
- ^ "Christianity in Qatar - Catholic 2021". Retrieved 2021-10-26.