{{Short description|none}} [[File:Vilnius Gedimino Pilies Bokštas Blick auf die Šv. Apaštalu Petro ir Povilo Bažnycia.jpg|thumb|right|[[Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Vilnius|Church of Sts. Peter & Paul]], in [[Vilnius]]. The building is considered to be among the most beautiful Catholic Churches in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lithuaniatribune.com/lithuanian-church-voted-most-beautiful-catholic-church-in-world/|title=Lithuanian church voted most beautiful Catholic church in world|website=[[Lithuania Tribune]]|date= 7 March 2016}}</ref>]] {{Catholic Church by country}} The '''Catholic Church in Lithuania''' ({{langx|lt|Katalikų Bažnyčia Lietuvoje}}) is part of the worldwide [[Catholic Church]], under the spiritual leadership of the [[Pope]] in [[Rome]].<ref name="LKBVle">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Katalikų Bažnyčia |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-kataliku-baznycia/ |website=[[Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija]] |access-date=2 December 2024}}</ref> [[Lithuania]] is the world's northernmost [[Latin Catholic]]-majority country.{{Sfn|Juergensmeyer|Roof|2012|p=111}} [[Pope Pius XII]] gave Lithuania the title of "northernmost outpost of Catholicism in Europe" in 1939.{{Sfn|Beeson|1982|p=125}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-03 |title=Pijus XII apie Lietuvą: katalikybės šiaurinis avanpostas – Vatican News |trans-title=Pius XII on Lithuania: Northern Outpost of Catholicism |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/lt/vatikanas/news/2020-03/pijus-xii-apie-lietuva-katalikybes-siaurinis-avanpostas.html |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=www.vaticannews.va |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Vilnius Cathedral]] is the most important Catholic Church in Lithuania, which was previously used for the [[List of Lithuanian monarchs#Inaugurations of Lithuanian monarchs|inauguration ceremonies of Lithuanian monarchs]] with [[Gediminas' Cap]], while in modern times it is a venue for [[Mass in the Catholic Church|mass]]es dedicated to the elected [[President of Lithuania|Presidents of Lithuania]] after their inauguration ceremonies and giving of [[oath]]s to the Nation in the [[Seimas Palace]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus katedra ir varpinė |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/vilniaus-katedra-ir-varpine/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gudavičius |first1=Edvardas |title=Gedimino kepurė |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/gedimino-kepure/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LR Prezidentės Dalios Grybauskaitės inauguracija. Prezidentūros rūmų perdavimo ceremonija |url=https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000072069/lr-prezidentes-dalios-grybauskaites-inauguracija-prezidenturos-rumu-perdavimo-ceremonija |website=[[Lithuanian National Radio and Television]] |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt |date=1 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nausėdos inauguracijos ceremonija: nauji simboliniai žingsniai, tvirta kalba Seime ir žaismingas bendravimas su žmonėmis |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1077959/nausedos-inauguracijos-ceremonija-nauji-simboliniai-zingsniai-tvirta-kalba-seime-ir-zaismingas-bendravimas-su-zmonemis |website=Lithuanian National Radio and Television |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt |date=12 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Samoškaitė |first1=Eglė |title=Brazausko iškilmės be žmonos, 4 Adamkaus pokyliai ir ponių stilius: štai kuo per inauguraciją stebino Nausėdos pirmtakai |url=https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/brazausko-iskilmes-be-zmonos-4-adamkaus-pokyliai-ir-poniu-stilius-stai-kuo-per-inauguracija-stebino-nausedos-pirmtakai-n1350707 |website=[[TV3 (Lithuanian TV channel)|TV3.lt]] |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidento įstatymas |url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalActPrint/lt?jfwid=&documentId=TAIS.5913&category=TAD |website=Official website of Seimas |access-date=2 December 2024}}</ref>
Among the [[Baltic states]], Lithuania is the country with the highest percentage of Catholic population.{{Sfn|Stan|Turcescu|2011|p=115}} Almost three-quarters (74.19%) of [[Lithuania]]'s population self-identified as Catholics in the 2021 census.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Department of Statistics (Lithuania)|Department of Statistics]] |date=2021-12-21 |title=2021 m. gyventojų ir būstų surašymo pagrindiniai rezultatai |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?eventId=288049 |website=osp.stat.gov.lt |language=lt}}</ref> The country is divided into eight dioceses including two archdioceses and a [[military ordinariate]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Republic of Lithuania (Lithuania) |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/data/countryLT.htm |access-date= |website=www.gcatholic.org}}</ref>
[[St. Casimir]] (Kazimieras, 1458–1484) is the only canonized [[saint]] of Lithuania.<ref name="KazimierasVle">{{cite web |last1=Spečiūnas |first1=Vytautas |title=Kazimieras |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kazimieras/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref name="KB">{{cite web |title=Šv. Kazimieras – Lietuvos jaunimo globėjas |url=https://www.bernardinai.lt/2014-08-26-sv-kazimieras-lietuvos-jaunimo-globejas/ |website=[[Bernardinai.lt]] |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt |date=26 August 2014}}</ref> He is the patron of the country and Lithuanian youth.<ref name="KazimierasVle"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Popiežiaus Pijaus XII brevė dėl šv. Kazimiero skyrimo Lietuvos jaunimo ypatingu dangiškuoju globėju |url=https://www.katedra.lt/sv-kazimieras/jaunu-globejas/ |website=Vilnius Cathedral |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref name="KB"/> Polish saint [[Raphael Kalinowski]] was born in Lithuania's capital Vilnius, then controlled by the [[Russian Empire]]. Archbishop [[Jurgis Matulaitis-Matulevičius]] (1871–1927) was [[Beatification|beatified]] in 1987, archbishop [[Teofilius Matulionis]] (1873–1962) was beatified in 2017.<ref>[http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/sventieji/ Lithuanian Saints and Witnesses of Faith on the Official Page of Catholic Church in Lithuania]</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Puidokas |first1=Mindaugas |title=Teofilius Matulionis |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/teofilius-matulionis/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>
==History==
=== Middle Ages ({{Circa|1000}}–1500) ===
==== 11th century ==== Saint [[Bruno of Querfurt]], a missionary bishop, was martyred in 1009 for proclaiming the Christian faith.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} While some historians assert that he was killed by the Lithuanians, [[Zigmas Zinkevičius]] disputes this, arguing that Bruno met his death in territories inhabited by the [[Yotvingians]].{{Sfn|Zinkevičius|2012}} It was in connection with this event that the [[name of Lithuania]] was first recorded.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Baranauskas |first=Tomas |date=Fall 2009 |title=On the Origin of the Name of Lithuania |url=https://www.lituanus.org/2009/09_3_02%20Baranauskas.html |journal=[[Lituanus]] |volume=55 |issue=3 |pages=28–36 |issn=0024-5089 |archive-date=2021-07-28 |access-date=2023-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728192142/https://www.lituanus.org/2009/09_3_02%20Baranauskas.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==== 13th century ==== The spread of Catholicism in Lithuania began in the 13th century.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} During the reign of [[Mindaugas]] ({{Reign|1230s|1263}}), the [[Dominican Order]] and the [[Franciscans]] started establishing their presence in the region.{{Sfn|Jagminas|2018}}<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Laukaitytė |first=Regina |title=mažesnieji broliai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/mazesnieji-broliai/ |access-date= |website=[[vle.lt]] |language=lt}}</ref> In 1231, [[Saint Hyacinth of Poland]], a Dominican, arrived in Lithuania.{{Sfn|Jagminas|2018}} In 1251, a delegation sent by Mindaugas informed [[Pope Innocent IV]] of the ruler’s desire to be baptized as a [[Roman Catholic]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last1=Gudavičius |first1=Edvardas |last2=Jasas |first2=Rimantas |date=2 July 2018 |title=Mindaugo krikštas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/mindaugo-krikstas/ |website=[[vle.lt]] |language=lt}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}} The Pope warmly welcomed Lithuania’s conversion, issuing no fewer than six [[papal bulls]] on the matter.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}} In the first half of 1251, Mindaugas, along with many of his subjects—including a portion of the [[Lithuanian nobility]]—embraced Roman Catholicism through baptism.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}}{{Sfn|Zinkevičius|2000}}[[File:Mindoŭh. Міндоўг (1824).jpg|thumb|250px|19th-century depiction of the Lithuanian King Mindaugas being baptised.|left]]
The baptism of the ruler marked Lithuania’s emergence as an officially Catholic nation, gaining international recognition as early as the 1250s.<ref name=":6" />{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}} In response, Pope Innocent IV instructed Heidenreich, the [[Bishop of Chełmno]], to crown Mindaugas with a royal crown in the Pope’s name.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}} On July 6, 1253, Mindaugas was crowned [[King of Lithuania]], and his wife, [[Morta of Lithuania|Morta]], became Queen.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|pp=25–27}} On August 21 of the same year, the Pope appointed priest [[Christian (bishop of Lithuania)|Christian]] as the first Bishop of Lithuania, thereby establishing the Diocese of Lithuania.{{Sfn|Boruta|1996|p=257}} According to the Lithuanian bishop [[Jonas Algimantas Boruta|Jonas Boruta]],<blockquote>"A separate diocese directly subordinate to the Pope is already a considerable step for the creation of an ecclesiastical province, and in the Lithuania of Mindaugas' time (if not for unfortunate political events - the murder of Mindaugas, etc.) there were all the conditions for the establishment of an ecclesiastical province as well.."{{Sfn|Boruta|1996|p=258}}</blockquote>Following Mindaugas’ assassination, Treniota seized power in 1263 and ruled Lithuania for approximately a year, during which he initiated a persecution of Christians.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} After Treniota’s death in 1264, Lithuania came under the rule of Mindaugas’ son, [[Vaišvilkas]] ({{Reign|1264|1267}}), and subsequently Mindaugas’ son-in-law, [[Shvarn]] ({{Reign|1267|1269}}), both of whom adhered to the Orthodox faith.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Shvarn’s reign ended amid internal power struggles, and the succeeding Grand Dukes of Lithuania reverted to pagan beliefs.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
==== 14th century ==== In the 14th century, Lithuania’s pagan rulers, like [[Vytenis]] and [[Gediminas]], constructed Catholic churches and welcomed Catholic priests and monks.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} For instance, Vytenis ({{Reign|1295|1316}}) built a Catholic church in [[Navahrudak]] and requested two Franciscan monks to manage it. However, knights from the Teutonic Order later destroyed the church.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
===== Gediminas' rule (1316–1341) ===== Gediminas ({{Reign|1316|1341}}), Vytenis’ pagan successor, allied with the [[Archbishopric of Riga|Archbishop of Riga]] against the Teutonic Order.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} This partnership began in 1298, allowing Riga’s Franciscans and Dominicans to work freely in Lithuania.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Later, Archbishop [[Friedrich von Pernstein]] successfully set up Franciscan and Dominican monasteries in Lithuanian cities.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} These monks were active on Gediminas’ lands.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} In Vilnius, two churches were built—one for the Dominicans and one for the Franciscans.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Encouraged by these monks and driven by political aims, Gediminas wrote to the Pope in 1322, promising to convert to Roman Catholicism.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} In 1323, he sent letters to monastery leaders in Western Europe, inviting priests, monks, and lay Christians to Lithuania with a promise of religious freedom.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
In June 1324, the Pope promised to send legates to Gediminas, and they reached Riga by autumn.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Gediminas refused baptism and acted as if he never promised to convert.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} He blamed the confusion on a Franciscan who wrote the letter to the Pope.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Despite this, the monks kept working to spread Catholicism in Lithuania.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
===== Co-rule by Algirdas and Kęstutis (1345–1377) ===== [[File:Lietuva (Lithuania).March towards the Cross.jpg|thumb|150px|14th–15th century [[fresco]] in [[Strasbourg]] showing Europe's states marching towards Christianity. From the 15 figures, portraying states, arranged chronologically according to their conversion to Christianity, the last of them is Lithuania.]] Gediminas’ sons, [[Algirdas]] and [[Kęstutis]], ruled Lithuania together from 1345 to 1377 and stayed pagan their whole lives.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Algirdas, who married Duchess [[Maria of Vitebsk]] in 1318, inherited the [[Principality of Vitebsk]] in 1320, allowed his children to be baptized Orthodox, and set up the Orthodox Metropolis of Lithuania in the Rus’ lands under his control.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Kęstutis was encouraged by the Pope and neighboring rulers like [[Casimir III of Poland]], to become baptised.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
In 1351, [[Louis I of Hungary|Louis I]] (later king of Poland) pushed Kęstutis to get baptized.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Kęstutis agreed, but only if Louis returned lands taken by the Teutonic Order and guaranteed his coronation. They swore oaths to the deal, but Kęstutis never went through with baptism.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
In 1358, Emperor [[Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles IV]] urged both Algirdas and Kęstutis to become Catholic.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} They promised to convert if the Teutonic Order’s conquered lands were returned and the Order was sent east to fight the Golden Horde Tatars.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} The deal fell apart, so they stayed pagan.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
Though Kęstutis remained pagan, his daughter [[Danutė of Lithuania|Danutė]] was baptized in the 1370s when she married [[Janusz I the Old|Janusz I]], Duke of Masovia.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Pope [[Pope Gregory XI|Gregory XI]] tried to baptize Lithuania in 1373, but that effort failed too.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
===== Lithuanian Civil Wars (1381–1384; 1389–1392) ===== Grand Dukes [[Jogaila]] (Algirdas’ son) and [[Vytautas the Great]] (Kęstutis’ son) worked to bring Christianity to Lithuania.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} On October 31, 1382, Jogaila signed the [[Treaty of Dubysa]] with the Teutonic Order, promising to give them Samogitia up to the [[Dubysa River]] in exchange for their help against Kęstutis and Vytautas. He also pledged to be baptized with his followers within four years.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} When Jogaila didn’t follow through in 1383, the Order backed Vytautas instead.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Vytautas was baptized as a Roman Catholic named Wigand on October 21, 1383, in [[Tepliava]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} He promised the Order Samogitia up to the [[Nevėžis River]] and received control of three castles near the [[Nemunas River]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
In 1385, Jogaila agreed to the [[Act of Krėva]], marrying Queen [[Jadwiga of Poland]] (daughter of Louis I of Hungary) and becoming King of Poland. He accepted Roman Catholicism and was baptized as Ladislaus on February 15, 1386, in Kraków, alongside his brothers and cousin Vytautas, who took the name Alexander.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} In 1387, Jogaila and Bishop [[Andrzej Jastrzębiec]] arrived in Vilnius with Lithuanian-speaking Franciscans to baptize Lithuania, mainly [[Aukštaitija]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=50}} On February 17, 1387, Jogaila issued a privilege to support [[Vilnius Cathedral]]. The [[Vilnius Diocese|Vilnius diocese]] was established by [[Pope Urban VI]] on March 12, 1388.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=61}} Jogaila helped build churches in places like [[Maišiagala]], [[Medininkai]], and Obolcai, setting up a [[Chapter (religion)|chapter]] with a [[Provost (religion)|provost]], [[Dean (Christianity)|dean]], and 10 [[Canon regular|canons]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Most of the [[clergy]] were Poles.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} The first Franciscan monasteries were also founded during this time.<ref name=":2" />
<gallery mode="nolines" class="mid"> File:Vilnius Three Crosses.jpg|[[Three Crosses]] dedicated to the [[Franciscan martyrs of Vilnius]] who were killed during the reign of Algirdas and Kęstutis. File:Mikalojus Church.jpg|[[Church of Saint Nicholas, Vilnius|Church of Saint Nicholas]] is the oldest surviving Catholic church in [[Vilnius]], built before 1387 File:Privilege of Jogaila (in Latin language) to the Vilnius Cathedral, issued on 17 February 1387 in Vilnius, Lithuania.jpg|[[Jogaila]]'s privilege to the [[Vilnius Cathedral]] (in [[Latin]]), issued on 17 February 1387 in Vilnius </gallery>
==== 15th century ====
A delegation of [[Samogitian nobility|Samogitian nobles]] attended the [[Council of Constance]] in 1417 to demonstrate that Jogaila and Vytautas were overseeing the baptism of the Samogitians and to demand that Samogitia remain under Vytautas' governance.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Additionally, they requested that the future Samogitian diocese be established under the supervision of the bishops of Vilnius and [[Bishop of Lviv|Lviv]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} When the Teutonic Order prevented a delegation appointed by the Council from traveling to baptize Samogitia, the bishops of Vilnius and Lviv carried out the task.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} The baptism of Samogitia took place in 1417, and the Samogitian diocese, based in Medininkai, was founded in 1421 under [[Pope Martin V]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=66}} A chapter of six canons was also established, with [[Matthias of Trakai]] consecrated as the first bishop of Samogitia. In 1422, Matthias became the bishop of Vilnius, and later, in 1453, the [[bishop of Lutsk]], ensuring that ordained priests spoke [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}<ref name="MTVle">{{cite web |title=Motiejus Trakiškis |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/motiejus-trakiskis/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> Until 1795, both the Vilnius and Samogitian dioceses were part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gniezno|ecclesiastical province of Gniezno]].{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
With the support of rulers such as Vytautas and Jogaila, the number of churches in Lithuania grew rapidly.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} By the late 14th century, the Vilnius diocese had 17 churches, five of which were in Vilnius itself.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Polish historian Jerzy Ochmański notes that by 1392, 10 parishes had been established, increasing to 27 across the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by Vytautas' death in 1430.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=61}} By the end of the 15th century, Lithuania had 109 churches—91 in the Vilnius diocese and 18 or 19 in the Samogitian diocese, seven of which were founded by Vytautas.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=69}} Between then and the mid-16th century, 103 churches were built in the Vilnius diocese and 38 in the Samogitian diocese.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Around 1500, the Vilnius diocese alone boasted 130 churches.{{Sfn|Ališauskas|2006|p=68}}
As dioceses were being established, churches were primarily constructed and endowed by rulers, and later by magnates and nobles.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Rulers typically granted land to churches, generating income to sustain parish clergy and maintain buildings, while noble endowments provided funds and church supplies.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Noble founders and their heirs often retained the ''jus patronatus'', ensuring the parish was staffed with a clergyman.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
<gallery mode="nolines" class="mid"> File:VytautoDidžiojoBažnyčia.jpg|[[Church of Vytautas the Great]] in [[Kaunas]], built in the early 15th century File:Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2007.jpg|[[Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Vilnius|Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary]] in [[Vilnius]], built in 1421 File:Privilege of Aleksandras Jogailaitis (in Latin language) with his personal seal, confirming the foundation of the Vitebsk church, issued on 17 August 1503 in Vilnius, Lithuania.jpg|[[Alexander Jagiellon]]'s privilege in Latin, confirming the foundation of the [[Vitebsk]] church, issued on 17 August 1503 in Vilnius File:Medieval frescoes in a church in Vilnius (4957036354).jpg|Catholic frescoes from the 16th century in the crypt of the [[Church of St. Casimir, Vilnius|St. Casimir Church]] in Vilnius. </gallery>
=== Early Modern period (1500–1795) ===
[[File:1501. Roman Catholic churches within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where the priests must know the Lithuanian language.svg|thumb|300x300px|Roman Catholic churches, where the priests must know [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]], according to the letter of 18 September 1501 by the contemporary Grand Duke of Lithuania.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Fijał |first1=Jan |last2=Semkowicz |first2=Władysław |date=1948-01-01 |title=Kodeks dyplomatyczny katedry i diecezji Wilenskiej. Tomu 1. Zeszyt 3 (1501-1507, uzupełn. 1394-1500) (W Krakowie 1948) |url=https://www.academia.edu/45078413 |journal=Codex Diplomaticus Ecclesiae Cathedralis Necnon Dioceseos Vilnensis. Voluminis I. Fasciculus 3 (1501-1507, Addenda 1394-1500). |pages=616–617}}</ref>]]
==== 16th century ==== In 1501, [[Erazm Ciołek (bishop of Płock)|Erazm Ciołek]], a [[Provost (religion)|provost]] of Vilnius Cathedral, informed the Pope that Lithuanians preserved and respected their native language ({{langx|la|Linguam propriam observant|label=none}}), but also used [[Ruthenian language|Ruthenian]] for practical reasons, as nearly half of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania spoke it.<ref name="Dubonis2016">{{cite journal |last1=Dubonis |first1=Artūras |date=2016 |title=The Prestige and decline of the official (state) language in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (fifteenth-sixteenth century): problems in Belarusian historiography |url=https://etalpykla.lituanistika.lt/fedora/objects/LT-LDB-0001:J.04~2016~1512655799738/datastreams/DS.002.1.01.ARTIC/content |journal=Lithuanian Historical Studies |volume=20 |pages=7, 21 |doi=10.30965/25386565-02001002 |access-date=3 November 2023 |doi-access=free}}</ref> In the 16th century, as the use of Polish increased, the Lithuanian language reached status of [[literary language]].<ref name="Dubonis2016" /> In 1599, [[Mikalojus Daukša]] published his [[Postil of Mikalojus Daukša|Postil]] and, in its prefaces, noted the improved status of Lithuanian, crediting Bishop [[Merkelis Giedraitis]] for his efforts.<ref name="Dubonis2016" />
Between 1530 and 1540, Reformation and humanist ideas spread into the Grand Duchy, reaching its peak around 1570.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Lutheranism dominated at first, followed by Calvinism.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} This era saw a rise in education and book publishing, including the first Lithuanian printed book – Catechism by Lutheran pastor Martynas Mažvydas in 1547.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} During the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic Church intensified efforts against Arianism and other Protestant movements.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Protestant churches and schools were shut down, and much of the Lithuanian nobility, most notably the Nyasvizh branch of the [[Radziwiłł family]], including [[Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł the Orphan]] and Cardinal [[Jerzy Radziwiłł (1556–1600)|Jerzy Radziwiłł]], converted to Catholicism.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
In 1569, at the initiative of Bishop [[Walerian Protasewicz]], the Jesuits were invited to [[Vilnius]]. As they learned the [[vernacular languages]], they began preaching to the local population in their native [[Lithuanian language]], reinforcing the Counter-Reformation effort.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} [[Spaniards]], [[Italians]], [[Germans]], and [[Poles (people)|Poles]] began learning Lithuanian in the 1570s, and the first foreigners who learned the language were the Spaniards, who learned it to preach and listen to [[Confession (religion)|confessions]] in Lithuanian.{{Sfn|Ivinskis|1953}} Sometimes they went to the surrounding villages and sometimes organized sermons in Vilnius' streets.{{Sfn|Ivinskis|1953}} Records of Lithuanian Jesuit preachers in Vilnius – with only minor gaps – have survived up to the 18th century.{{Sfn|Ivinskis|1953}} In 1582, Cardinal [[Jerzy Radziwiłł (1556–1600)|Jerzy Radziwiłł]] founded the [[Vilnius Theological Seminary]].{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} Bishop Merkelis Giedraitis (1576–1609), a leading advocate of Catholicism in Samogitia, supported the seminary by sending his clerics there. He also built twelve churches and established new parishes in the region.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}
The Third Statute of Lithuania, published in 1588, guaranteed equal rights for Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox within the Grand Duchy.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The [[Union of Brest]] in 1596 marked the ecclesiastical union of the Orthodox Church in the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] with Rome.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
==== 17th–18th centuries ==== [[File:Pažaislio ansamblis.Ensemble of Pažaislis.jpg|thumb|[[Pažaislis monastery|Church and Monastery of Pažaislis]] in [[Kaunas]]]] The construction of churches funded by noble patrons and the founding of new monasteries intensified significantly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Schools, hospitals, and shelters were often established alongside them.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Most Dominican monasteries in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were founded in the 17th century.{{Sfn|Jagminas|2018}} Until the fall of the Lithuanian state in 1795, monasteries gained substantial influence, as monks became active in all areas of religious and cultural life.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
The officially Catholic Grand Duchy of Lithuania ceased to exist after the [[Third Partition of Poland|Third Partition of Poland–Lithuania]] in 1795, carried out by the Protestant [[Kingdom of Prussia]] and the Eastern Orthodox [[Russian Empire]].{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} Most Lithuanian territories fell under Russian control.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Empress [[Catherine II of Russia]] established the [[Archdiocese of Mohilev|Archdiocese of Mogilev]] in 1782 for her new Catholic subjects.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
During the [[Kościuszko Uprising]] of 1794, during which the [[Vilnius uprising (1794)|Vilnius uprising]] also took place, Catholic sermons supporting the insurrection were preached in various languages, including Lithuanian (e.g., by [[Michał Franciszek Karpowicz]]), both in churches (e.g., the [[Church of St. Johns, Vilnius|Church of St. Johns]] in Vilnius) and among military units.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Šmigelskytė-Stukienė |first1=Ramunė |last2=Brusokas |first2=Eduardas |date=2018 |title=Lietuvos Didžioji Kunigaikštystė. Visuomenė. Kasdienybės istorija |url=https://www.istorija.lt/data/public/uploads/2021/06/2018-xviii-a.-studijos-t.-4-9-eduardas-brusokas-1794-m.-sukileliu-viesieji-p.-218-228.pdf |journal=XVIII amžiaus studijos |language=lt |publisher=Lithuanian Institute of History |issue=4 |page=225 |access-date=25 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1794 m. Tado Kosciuškos sukilimo parodoje – didingo Abiejų Tautų Respublikos įvykio palikimas |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/istorija/parodoje-tado-kosciuskos-sukilimo-1794-m-dokumentai-didingo-abieju-tautu-respublikos-pasipriesinimo-palikimas-582-440457 |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=15min.lt |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus istorijos puslapiai: miesto gynyba 1794 m. sukilimo metu |url=https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/literatura/vilniaus-istorijos-puslapiai-miesto-gynyba-1794-m-sukilimo-metu-286-2356310 |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=15min.lt |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuolys |first1=Darius |title=Mykolas Pranciškus Karpavičius |url=http://www.xn--altiniai-4wb.info/index/details/968 |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Šaltiniai.info |publisher=Vilnius University, Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore |language=lt}}</ref> === Long 19th century (1795–1914) === [[File:Anti-Russian Empire poster in the Lithuanian language, urging to defend the Catholic faith, 1862.png|thumb|150px|Anti-Russian poster in the Lithuanian language, urging [[Samogitians]] to defend the Catholic faith, 1862.]] After the uprisings of [[Uprising of 1831|1831]] and [[Uprising of 1863|1863]], the tsar's repression against the Catholic Church intensified, and monasteries were closed en masse.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} These monasteries were previously very involved in religious and cultural activities throughout the former Lithuanian lands and were responsible for many schools, libraries, and charity institutions.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} During the years of Russian rule, a struggle began within the Catholic Church for the rights of faith and Lithuanian national identity, which were persistently defended by Bishop of Samogitia [[Motiejus Valančius]].{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Valančius spread faith, [[sobriety]], and literacy among Lithuanians.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}
=== 20th century === Lithuania regained its independence in 1918 and successfully defended it in the [[Lithuanian Wars of Independence]]. The [[Vatican City|Vatican]] recognized Lithuania's independence ''[[de jure]]'' in 1922.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} A [[concordat]] was signed in 1927 between Lithuania and the Holy See.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
==== First Soviet occupation ==== After the [[Soviet occupation of the Baltic states (1940)|Soviet Union occupied Lithuania]] in the summer of 1940, the Church began to be persecuted.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The [[Separation of church and state|Church and state were separated]].{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The concordat and diplomatic relations with the Vatican were terminated.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Church property was confiscated, [[religious education]] in schools was stopped, publishing of Catholic books and newspapers was banned.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Dominican monasteries were also closed down.{{Sfn|Jagminas|2018}} On 11–12 July 1940, many prominent Lithuanian public figures were arrested, including Catholic priests.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} During the Soviet [[Soviet deportations from Lithuania#First deportation in 1941|mass deportation from Lithuania on 14–15 June 1941]], 9 Lithuanian Catholic priests were deported.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} In the beginning of [[Operation Barbarossa]] in late June 1941, a total of 15 Lithuanian Catholic priests were murdered.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} On June 22, priests Justinas Dabrila, Vaclovas Balsius and Jonas Petrikas in Būdavonė forest ([[Bartninkai]] district) were martyred by [[NKVD]] soldiers.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
==== Second Soviet occupation ==== [[File:The crowd in Gediminas Avenue, following the mass celebrating the restitution of Vilnius Cathedral to the Catholic community, 1988.jpg|thumb|150px|The crowd in [[Gediminas Avenue]], following the mass celebrating the restitution of [[Vilnius Cathedral]] to the Catholic community, 1988.]] During the [[Second Soviet occupation of the Baltic states|second Soviet occupation]], which began once the [[Red Army]] invaded Lithuanian lands in 1944, the persecution of the Church intensified.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} This was because of the regime's [[state atheism]], as well as the Catholic Church's involvement in the [[Lithuanian partisans|Lithuanian anti-communist guerrilla war]] against Soviet occupation.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Mass arrests and deportations of Lithuanian citizens, priests and believers, were carried out.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Churches were closed down.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The restrictions on the church's activities intensified, especially restricting the training of new clergy.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} In 1946, the bishop of Telšiai [[Vincentas Borisevičius]] was arrested and sentenced to death.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Later, the bishops [[Teofilius Matulionis]], Pranciškus Ramanauskas, Vilnius archbishop [[Mečislovas Reinys]] were arrested and imprisoned.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The Soviet state seized the Vilnius Cathedral from the Catholic Church in 1950.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
In 1965, during an audience of [[Rome]]'s Lithuanians with [[Pope Paul VI]] he stated that "We are doing everything we can to ensure that the dear Lithuanian nation maintain their faith and that its connection with the See of Saint Peter becomes ever stronger."<ref name="PaulVI">{{cite web |title=Šv. Paulius VI: "Darome viską, kad brangioji lietuvių tauta išlaikytų tikėjimą" |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/lt/popiezius/news/2018-12/popiezius-sv-paulius-vi.html |website=[[Vatican News]] |language=lt |date=29 December 2018}}</ref> Pope Paul VI supported the project to establish the Lithuanian Chapel of Our Lady Mater Misericordiae in the [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Vatican City]] and in 1978 he was the first Pope to congratulate Lithuanians in Lithuanian language on [[Easter]].<ref name="PaulVI"/>
In the 1970s, the Catholic Church's underground activity intensified, as underground Catholic newspapers and magazines began to be published, and priests were trained underground.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} In 1972, the underground publication [[Chronicle of the Catholic Church in Lithuania|Chronicle of the Catholic Church of Lithuania]] began to be published.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The number of initiatives to defend religious freedom increased.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}}
Also during the Communist time, [[Apostolic Visitor]]s were designated by the [[Holy See]] for the Lithuanian Roman Catholics in diaspora.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
===== Hill of Crosses ===== [[File:Kryžių kalnas (Góra Krzyży).JPG|thumb|upright=1.6|Close view of the [[Hill of Crosses]] near [[Šiauliai]]]] The nationally renowned anti-Communist resistance [[shrine]], the [[Hill of Crosses]], upon which thousands of [[Latin Church|Latin Rite]] [[crucifix|crosses]] of all sizes have been placed, is located near the city of [[Šiauliai]]. Erecting Latin crosses on the hill was forbidden by the Czarist [[Russian Orthodox]] authorities in the 19th century. Later, in the 20th century, the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] authorities also forbade such explicit religious symbols. The crosses were removed in 1961 with tractors and bulldozers, but despite Soviet prohibitions, Catholics continued to put small crucifixes and larger crosses on the ''Hill of Crosses''. [[Pope John Paul II]] visited the hill during his visit to Lithuania, primarily because it was a sign of anti-Communist Catholic resistance, as well as a Catholic religious site. Lithuania was the only majority-Catholic Soviet republic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kryžių kalnas. Apie Kalną |url=https://www.kryziukalnas.lt/apie/ |website=Kryziukalnas.lt |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kryžių kalnas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kryziu-kalnas/ |website=[[Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija]] |access-date=4 March 2023 |language=lt}}</ref>
=== Independent Lithuania === [[File:Three Kings' Day procession near the Church of St. Theresa and Gate of Dawn in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.jpg|thumb|[[Epiphany (holiday)|Three Kings' Day]] procession near the [[Church of St. Theresa, Vilnius|Church of St. Theresa]] and [[Gate of Dawn]] in [[Vilnius]] in 2023]] Lithuania [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania|regained its independence once more in 1990]], during the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]]. The Catholic Church is an influential factor in the country, and some priests actively led the resistance against the Communist regime and, after independence was regained, in support of traditionalism, especially in ethical questions.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
In 1993, [[Pope John Paul II]] visited Lithuania and after his prayer in the [[Chapel of Saint Casimir]] in the [[Vilnius Cathedral]] said that "the heart of the Lithuanian nation beats in this sanctuary".<ref>{{cite web |title=Šv. Kazimieras ir Dievo tarnas Jonas Paulius II |url=https://www.archivioradiovaticana.va/storico/2009/03/04/%C5%A1v_kazimieras_ir_dievo_tarnas_jonas_paulius_ii/lit-270438 |website=[[Vatican Radio]] Archive |access-date=2 December 2024 |language=lt |quote=Šioje šventovėje, kur plaka lietuvių tautos širdis, čia rūpestingai saugomi žemiškieji šventojo Kazimiero palaikai}}</ref>
The Catholic Church in Lithuania has after independence continued to campaign against [[liberalism|liberal]] and [[socialist]] measures, especially in ethical questions.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
The treaties of the Holy See and the Republic of Lithuania entered into force in 2000.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} Since then, the relations between the Catholic Church and the Lithuanian state have been regulated by three special treaties of the Republic of Lithuania and the Holy See, instead of the concordat.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}}
On 22–23 September 2018, [[Pope Francis]] made an [[Visit by Pope Francis to the Baltic states|official visit to Lithuania]] and held [[Mass (liturgy)|masses]] in [[Vilnius]] and [[Kaunas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Popiežiaus Pranciškaus apsilankymas Lietuvoje: kur jis lankėsi ir ką kalbėjo |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/popieziaus-pranciskaus-apsilankymas-lietuvoje-svarbiausios-citatos-56-2400614 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=21 March 2026 |language=lt}}</ref>
On 7 December 2024, Pope Francis made [[Rolandas Makrickas]] a [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|cardinal]] and later it was revealed that Makrickas in the [[Will and testament|Testament]] of Pope Francis was named as having been given the instructions for the [[Death and funeral of Pope Francis|burial of Pope Francis]], who died on 21 April 2025, at [[Santa Maria Maggiore]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaidamavičius |first1=Giedrius |title=Arkivyskupas R.Makrickas Vatikane įvesdintas į Kardinolų kolegiją |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/arkivyskupas-r-makrickas-vatikane-ivesdintas-i-kardinolu-kolegija-56-2356850 |website=15min.lt |access-date=21 March 2026 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2025/april/documents/20250421-testamento-francesco.html| title=Testament of The Holy Father Francis|date=29 June 2022|publisher=vatican.va|language=en|access-date=21 Feb 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 February 2025, for the first time in the history of Lithuania three Lithuanian cardinals: Makrickas, [[Audrys Bačkis]], and [[Sigitas Tamkevičius]] held a [[Mass (liturgy)|mass]] in the Vilnius Cathedral commemorating the [[Act of Independence of Lithuania|Independence Day of Lithuania]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Istorinis įvykis: trys lietuviai kardinolai aukos šv. Mišias Vilniaus arkikatedroje |url=https://sc.bns.lt/view/item/istorinis-ivykis-trys-lietuviai-kardinolai-aukos-sv-misias-vilniaus-arkikatedroje-501395 |website=[[Baltic News Service]] |access-date=21 March 2026 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kard. Rolando Makricko pamokslas Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo dienos šv. Mišiose |url=https://www.vilnensis.lt/kard-rolando-makricko-pamokslas-lietuvos-valstybes-atkurimo-dienos-sv-misiose/ |website=Vilniaus arkivyskupija |access-date=21 March 2026 |language=lt}}</ref> According to Pope Francis instruction, Makrickas was also named coadjutor archpriest of Santa Maria Maggiore and later on 4 July 2025 replaced his predecessor Stanislaw Ryłko as Archpriest of Santa Maria Maggiore upon Ryłko's 80th birthday.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 4 July 2025 | date = 4 July 2025 | publisher = Holy See Press Office|url =https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/07/04/250704b.html | title = Resignations and Appointments, 04.07.2025}}</ref>
== Education == [[Christian culture]] was spread in Lithuania through schools.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Until the [[Third Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] in 1795, education was mainly taken care of by the Catholic Church.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Initially, the first schools operated in Vilnius near the Franciscan monastery and cathedral.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} Vytautas settled the [[Benedictines]] in [[Senieji Trakai]] in 1409, where it was sought that they would open a school as well.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} A parish school for the townspeople was established, near the [[Church of St. Johns, Vilnius]], in 1413.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} More schools appeared in the 15th and 16th centuries.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} In 1534, the Synod of Vilnius ordered priests to establish schools.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} The church leadership ordered in 1607 the establishment of primary schools in all parishes, while the higher schools were maintained by Jesuits, Piarists and other monks.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}} In the 18th century, there were about 300 parochial schools in Lithuania, with 5,000 students.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
The Jesuits establish a college in Vilnius in 1570.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The [[Vilnius Academy]] was founded in 1579 by the Jesuits through the reorganization of the college they established nine years prior.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} The university trained Lithuanian clergymen and published Lithuanian-language religious literature.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} Jesuits also founded many colleges in other cities.{{Sfn|katalikai.lt|2007}} The Jesuits head the Vilnius University until 1773.{{Sfn|Aliulis|2006}} After the [[suppression of the Society of Jesus]] in 1773, the [[Commission of National Education]] took over the management of Vilnius University and higher schools.{{Sfn|Paulauskytė|2018}}
== Hierarchy == {{Tree chart/start}} {{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | |HS|HS=[[Holy See]]}} {{Tree chart| | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.}} {{Tree chart| | |Vilnius| | | | | | | | |Kaunas| | | | | | |Mil| |Vilnius=[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vilnius|Archdiocese of Vilnius]] |Kaunas=[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kaunas|Archdiocese of Kaunas]] |Mil=[[Military Ordinariate of Lithuania]]}} {{Tree chart| |,|-|^|-|.| | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.}} {{Tree chart|Kai| |Pan| | |Sia| |Tel| |Vil |Kai=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Kaišiadorys|Diocese of Kaišiadorys]] |Pan=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Panevėžys|Diocese of Panevėžys]] |Sia=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Šiauliai|Diocese of Šiauliai]] |Tel=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Telšiai|Diocese of Telšiai]] |Vil=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Vilkaviškis|Diocese of Vilkaviškis]]}} {{Tree chart/end}} *List of Apostolic Visitors for Lithuanian Catholics in Diaspora (historically, until 2003)
==Catholic churches in Lithuania== [[File:Vilnius Cathedral Exterior 2, Vilnius, Lithuania - Diliff.jpg|thumb|[[Vilnius Cathedral]]]] {{see also|List of cathedrals in Lithuania}} The first churches appeared in [[Lithuania]] before the introduction of [[Christianity]] – they were built by merchants and craftsmen from other countries who lived here. After the baptism in 1387 the number of churches in Lithuania began to grow notably. In the middle of the twentieth century there were as many as 885 Catholic churches and chapels in Lithuania.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
The first church in Lithuania, supposedly, was built by the Grand Duke [[Mindaugas]] in the thirteenth century. It was [[Vilnius Cathedral]], which in its long history has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The oldest surviving stone church is [[Church of St. Nicholas, Vilnius|St. Nicholas]], built in the 14th – 15th centuries. It stands in [[Vilnius]] and visitors admire its Gothic and Romanesque features. [[St. Anne's Church, Vilnius|St. Anne's Church]] is a masterpiece of late [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]]. The Chapel of the Gate of Dawn storing the icon of the Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy in Vilnius has many features of late [[Renaissance]] and is one of the holy places in Lithuania most visited by pilgrims. Impressive architectural work of baroque is St. [[St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Vilnius|Peter and Paul Church]] in Vilnius. The oldest wooden church of Lithuania is in Palušė, Ignalina district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lithuania.travel/en-gb/attractions/churches/17181 |title=Churches {{!}} Majestic Architecture With the Rich History |website=www.lithuania.travel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230014441/http://www.lithuania.travel/en-gb/attractions/churches/17181 |archive-date=2014-12-30}}</ref>
==Catholic organizations in Lithuania== * [[Ateitis]]: Catholic children and youth organization, member of [[Fimcap]]{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
==See also== * [[Religion in Lithuania]] * [[Apostolic Nunciature to Lithuania]] * [[Christianization of Lithuania]] * [[Saint Casimir]] * [[List of Catholic pilgrimage sites in Lithuania]]
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Sources== * {{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/krikscionybes-lietuvoje-istorija-2006/page/n1/mode/2up |title=Krikščionybės Lietuvoje istorija |publisher=Aidai |year=2006 |isbn=9955-656-18-2 |editor-last=Ališauskas |editor-first=Vytautas |location=Vilnius |language=lt}} * {{Cite web |last=Aliulis |first=Vaclovas |date=2006-01-17 |title=Katalikų Bažnyčia |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/kataliku-baznycia/ |website=[[vle.lt]] |language=lt}} * {{Cite book |last=Beeson |first=Trevor |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dWwJAAAAIAAJ |title=Discretion and Valour: Religious Conditions in Russia and Eastern Europe |publisher=Fortress Press |year=1982 |isbn=978-0-8006-1621-2}} * {{Cite journal |last=Boruta |first=Jonas |author-link=Jonas Algimantas Boruta |date=8 August 1996 |title=Iš Lietuvos Bažnytinės Provincijos kūrimo istorijos |url=https://www.laiskailietuviams.lt/failai/pdf/LL-1996-8-rugsejis.pdf |journal=Laiškai lietuviams |language=lt |volume=XLVII |issue=9}} * {{Cite web |last=Paulauskytė |first=Teresė |date=2018 |title=Lietuvos Katalikų Bažnyčia |trans-title=Lithuania's Catholic Church |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-kataliku-baznycia/ |website=[[vle.lt]] |language=lt}} * {{Cite journal |last=Ivinskis |first=Zenonas |date=1953-10-08 |title=Lietuvių kalba viešajame Lietuvos 16–17 amž. gyvenime: žiupsnelis medžiagos iš Romos archyvų |url=https://www.aidai.eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5872&Itemid=391 |journal=Aidai |language=lt}} * {{Cite web |last=Jagminas |first=Leonardas |date=2018-08-10 |title=dominikonai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/dominikonai/ |website=[[vle.lt]] |language=lt}} * {{Cite book |last1=Juergensmeyer |first1=Mark |title=Encyclopedia of Global Religion |last2=Roof |first2=Wade Clark |publisher=SAGE |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7619-2729-7 |language=en}} * {{Cite web |last=katalikai.lt |date=2007 |title=Pagrindiniai krikščionybės Lietuvoje istorijos faktai |trans-title=The main facts of the history of Christianity in Lithuania |url=https://katalikai.lt/kbl/istorija/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209010651/https://katalikai.lt/kbl/istorija/index.html |archive-date=2007-02-09 |website=Katalikų Bažnyčia Lietuvoje |language=lt}} * {{Cite book |last1=Stan |first1=Lavinia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n_pQEAAAQBAJ |title=Church, State, and Democracy in Expanding Europe |last2=Turcescu |first2=Lucian |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year=2011 |isbn=9780199714124}} * {{Cite book |last=Zinkevičius |first=Zigmas |title=Lietuvių poteriai |publisher=Mokslo ir enciklopedijų leidybos institutas |year=2000 |location=Vilnius |language=lt |chapter=Mindaugo krikštas ir lietuviški poteriai |author-link=Zigmas Zinkevičius}} * {{Cite journal |last=Zinkevičius |first=Zigmas |author-link=Zigmas Zinkevičius |date=2012-11-16 |title=Lietuviai ir krikščionybė |url=https://archyvas.xxiamzius.lt/numeriai/2012/11/16/liter_01.html |journal=XXI amžius |language=lt |volume=43 |issue=2018}}
==External links== * [http://www.katalikai.lt/ Katalikų Bažnyčia Lietuvoje / Catholic Church in Lithuania] * [http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/ Official web site of Lithuanian Catholic Church] * [http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/sventoves/ Sanctuaries and Pilgrimage Sites in Lithuania] * {{CathEncy|wstitle=Lithuania}}
{{Catholic dioceses in Lithuania}} {{Catholicism in Europe}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lithuania}} [[Category:Catholic Church in Lithuania| ]] [[Category:Catholic Church by country]] [[Category:Catholic Church in Europe]]