Roman Catholicism in Liechtenstein

The Roman Catholic Church in Liechtenstein belonged since early Christian times to the diocese of Chur. Own Archdiocese of Vaduz was not until on 2 December 1997 for the territory of the Principality of Liechtenstein and built with Archbishop Wolfgang Haas, the first archbishop installed. In this foundation, the aspiration of the Catholic Church can be seen to bring religious and political boundaries to a common denominator. Archbishop Haas stressed at the same time the necessary independence of church and state, what a fruitful for both sides on cooperation in specific issues are not exclusive.

Separated from the Diocese of Chur ( Switzerland ), there was at the beginning of heated arguments between supporters and opponents of the papal decision, also the Princely House felt ignored. After initial complications, the person of the new archbishop with a role played ( Haas served as Bishop of Chur already controversial ), the diocese has established quite soon. As a counterpoint to the Association for an Open Church was born.

According to the results of the census in the year 2010 27.450 of 36 149 inhabitants ( 75.9 %) of the small Principality were Catholic. They live in 11 parishes, which extend over 160 km ², and are cared for pastorally by 19 diocesan and 12 religious priests. At the same time live in the Archdiocese of 66 nuns.

The Catholic festival of the Assumption is a national holiday. According to Article 37 paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church is in terms of a state church. The abolition of this privilege is sought; future to the relationship between church and state by a concordat be regulated. On 20 December 2012, the parliament decided to enter the religious maturity with the 14th birthday and the restriction of confessional religious education in primary schools.