Grace Thompson
Israel is a country of great religious significance to Christians, particularly Catholics, as it is considered the Holy Land and the site of central events in the life of Jesus. There are currently 103 Catholic parishes in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, with the majority of churches located in Jerusalem. The Catholic population in Israel is approximately 200,000, which amounts to around 1.5% of the total population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of Christians in Israel | 200,000 (approximately) |
| Percentage of Christians in Israel | 1.5% (in 2022) |
| Largest Christian community in Israel | Greek Catholics (Melkite) |
| Percentage of Greek Catholics in total Christians | 40% |
| Number of Greek Catholics | 64,400 |
| Second-largest Christian community in Israel | Greek Orthodox |
| Percentage of Greek Orthodox in total Christians | 32% |
| Number of Latin Catholics | 32,200 |
| Number of Maronite Catholics | 11,270 |
| Number of Roman Catholic Churches in Israel | 103 |
| Percentage of Arabic-speaking Catholics in Israel | 85% |
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What You'll Learn
Distribution of Catholics in Israel
Israel is a destination that holds a lot of significance for Catholics, as it is the land where many of the central events in Christian history, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, are said to have occurred. As such, it is a popular destination for Catholic tourists and pilgrims.
The number of Christians in Israel is approximately 200,000, which amounts to 1.5% of the population. However, this figure has been decreasing over time. In Jerusalem, there are estimated to be fewer than 10,000 Christians from various denominations, including Latins, Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Syriacs, and Armenians. In 1922, Christians made up about 25% of Jerusalem's population, but today, they account for only around 2% of the population.
The largest Christian community in Israel is the Greek Catholics (Melkite), who make up 40% of the total Christian population. The Greek Orthodox community is the second largest, at 32%, followed by Roman Catholics at 20%, and the Maronites at 7%. The remaining Christian groups, including the Armenian, Chaldean, Syriac, and Coptic Catholic denominations, make up around 1% of the total Christian population.
There are currently 103 Catholic parishes in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The Catholic Church in Israel is part of the worldwide Catholic Church and is in full communion with the Holy See in Rome. The Melkite Church serves the largest number of Catholics in Israel, while the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the main Roman Catholic institution, responsible for the pastoral care of Roman Catholics in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The Latin Patriarchate has several parishes, schools, and hospitals in the region and operates the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, showcasing the history and culture of the Holy Land.
In addition to these institutions, several Catholic organizations and charities operate in Israel, providing humanitarian assistance and working on issues such as poverty, education, and health. The Catholic Near East Welfare Association, for example, provides aid to Christians and other minority communities in the Middle East, while Caritas Jerusalem, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, responds to disasters, promotes human development, and advocates for poverty alleviation and conflict resolution.
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Catholic holy sites in Israel
Israel is a country that holds immense significance for three major religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The land is tied to the central events of Christian revelation, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which makes Israel a compelling and complicated place for Catholics.
There are approximately 200,000 Christians in Israel, amounting to 1.5% of the population. The largest Christian community in Israel is the Greek Catholics (Melkite), who make up 40% of the total, followed by the Greek Orthodox at 32%, Roman Catholics at 20%, and the Maronites at 7%.
There are numerous Catholic holy sites in Israel, with Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee being key locations. Here are some of the most notable Catholic holy sites in Israel:
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
Also known as the Church of the Resurrection, this is one of the most famous churches in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is presumed to be the site where Jesus was crucified, entombed, and rose from the dead. The church is shared between several Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church. The last five stations of Via Dolorosa, or the Way of Agony, where Jesus carried the cross, are located within the church compound, with the final station being Golgotha. Jesus's tomb is believed to be under the large rotunda in the center of the church.
Church of Gethsemane, Jerusalem
Also known as the Church of Agony or the Church of All Nations, this church is located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It commemorates the sorrowful event of the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the lower slope of the mount. The Mount of Olives is also the place from which Jesus ascended to heaven, according to tradition.
Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth
This church is built atop the ancient village of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up as a child.
Church of Transfiguration, Mount Tabor
This church is part of a Franciscan monastery built by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi in 1922. It is considered the site where the transfiguration of Jesus occurred when he met with Elijah and Moses.
Church of St. Peter, Tiberias
Located next to a monastery on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, this unusual Crusader church has a roof shaped like an upturned boat. It is administered by Koinonia Giovanni Battista, a Catholic community in Italy.
Other Sites
Other notable Catholic holy sites in Israel include the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens in Haifa, the Church of Multiplication in Tabgha, and the town of Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The Sea of Galilee and its surrounding areas, including Capernaum and Ein Gev, are also significant destinations for Catholic pilgrims.
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Catholic churches in Israel
Israel is home to many Catholic churches, the majority of which can be found in Jerusalem. At the start of the 21st century, there were approximately 200,000 Christians in Israel and the Palestinian territories, representing about 1.5% of the total population. By 2020, Catholics made up 1.27% of the population, although some estimates placed the figure at more than double that.
The largest Catholic churches in Israel include the Greek Melkite Catholics (64,400 members), Latin Catholics (32,200 members), and Maronite Catholics (11,270 members). The Greek Melkite Catholics are also the largest Christian community in Israel, making up 40% of the total Christian population.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the main Roman Catholic institution in Israel and is responsible for the pastoral care of Roman Catholics in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The patriarchate operates parishes, schools, and hospitals in the region and manages the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, which showcases the history and culture of the Holy Land.
The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is a Catholic religious order that cares for the holy shrines in the Holy Land, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is probably the most famous church in the Old City and is believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead. The church is shared by several denominations, including the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syriac Orthodox Churches.
Other notable Catholic churches in Israel include:
- St. Stephen Church, Jerusalem (Dominicans)
- Via Dolorosa 3rd Station, Jerusalem (Armenian Catholics)
- Via Dolorosa 4th Station, Jerusalem (Armenian Catholics)
- St. Lazarus, Bethany (Franciscans)
- St. John in the Desert, Ein Karem (Franciscans)
- Church of St. Joseph, Nazareth (Franciscans)
- Synagogue Church, Nazareth (Greek Melkite Catholics)
- Church of St. Peter, Tiberias (Koinonia Giovanni Battista)
- Church of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor (Franciscans)
- Sacred Heart Church, Bethlehem (Salesian Fathers)
- St. Joseph's Syro-Catholic Church, Bethlehem
- St. Joseph Parish, Haifa
- Melkite Church of the Annunciation, Tel Aviv - Jaffa
- St. Anthony's Maronite Church, Tel Aviv - Jaffa
- Melkite Church of St. George (Mar Giries), Taybeh
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Catholic population in Israel
Israel is a country with a rich history that is deeply intertwined with central events in Christian history, particularly the life and times of Jesus. It is, therefore, no surprise that many Catholics dream of visiting the Holy Land and exploring the Catholic holy sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee.
The Catholic Church in Israel is part of the worldwide Catholic Church and is in full communion with the Holy See in Rome. The number of Christians in Israel is approximately 200,000, which amounts to 1.5% of the total population. However, by 2020, Catholics made up 1.27% of the population, although some estimates were more than double that figure.
The largest Christian community in Israel is the Greek Catholics (Melkite), who make up 40% of the Christian population. The Greek Orthodox community comprises 32%, while Roman Catholics and Uniates (including Melchites, Maronites, Chaldean Catholics, Syrian Catholics, and Armenian Catholics) make up 20% and 7% respectively. The remaining Christian groups, including the Evangelical, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches, account for around 1% of the total Christian population.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which includes chaplaincies for expatriate clergy, pilgrims, and workers, is the main Roman Catholic institution in Israel. It is responsible for the pastoral care of Roman Catholics in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, and it operates parishes, schools, and hospitals in the region. The Melkite Church serves the largest number of Catholics, and it operates the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, showcasing the history and culture of the Holy Land.
While Israel guarantees freedom of religion in its constitution, government restrictions on religion and social hostilities towards religious groups have been noted. Despite these challenges, the Catholic population in Israel is diverse and includes Palestinian, Hebrew-speaking, and migrant worker and refugee communities.
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Catholic communities in Israel
Israel is a significant country for Catholics, as it is the site of many important events in Christian history, particularly those in the life of Jesus. Jerusalem, for example, is home to many Catholic churches and holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is presumed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.
The Catholic Church in Israel is part of the worldwide Catholic Church and is in full communion with the Holy See in Rome. The Holy See established the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, and diplomatic relations between the two were first established on 30 December 1993. There are currently 103 Catholic parishes in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
The Catholic population in Israel includes Palestinian, Hebrew-speaking, and migrant worker and refugee communities. The largest Catholic Churches in Israel include the Greek Melkite Catholics, who make up 40% of the total Catholic population, Latin Catholics (20%), Greek Orthodox (32%), and Maronites (7%). There are also smaller communities of Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, and Coptic Catholics.
There are several Catholic institutions and organizations that serve the Catholic community in Israel. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, for example, is the main Roman Catholic institution and is responsible for the pastoral care of Roman Catholics in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The Melkite Church serves the largest number of Catholics. The patriarchate operates several parishes, schools, and hospitals in the region and also runs the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, which showcases the history and culture of the Holy Land. The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is a Catholic religious order that cares for the holy shrines in the Holy Land, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
While Israel guarantees freedom of religion, there have been reports of growing hostility towards Christian communities in the country. The 2025 report "Attacks on Christians in Israel and East Jerusalem" documented a rise in incidents of intimidation and aggression targeting Christians, including physical attacks on clergy and vandalism and desecration of Christian churches.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 200,000 Christians in Israel, making up 1.5% of the population. Of these, 40% are Greek Catholics (Melkite), 20% are Roman Catholics, and 7% are Maronites.
Israel is a significant place for Catholics as it is associated with central events in Christian history, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Many Catholics dream of visiting the Holy Land and holy sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee.
Some notable Catholic churches and holy sites in Israel include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and the Church of St. Peter in Tiberias.
Several Catholic organizations serve the community in Israel, including the Salesian Mission, the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, and Catholic Relief Services. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the main Roman Catholic institution, managing parishes, schools, and hospitals.
