History

On April 8, 1808, Pope Pius VII established the Diocese of New York, a vast territory that originally encompassed the entire State of New York along with seven counties in northeastern New Jersey. As the Catholic population grew—especially in the bustling and rapidly developing port city of New York—the diocese quickly became one of the most influential centers of Catholic life in the young United States. On July 19, 1850, the Diocese of New York was formally elevated to the Archdiocese of New York, marking a new chapter in leadership, ministry, and mission. 

From its earliest days, the archdiocese has served communities across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and later throughout the expanding Catholic presence in the Hudson Valley counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. This broad geography—spanning urban neighborhoods, suburban towns, and rural landscapes—continues to shape the rich and dynamic identity of Catholic New York. 

A History Shaped by Immigrants, Saints, and Servant-Leaders 

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, waves of immigrants transformed both New York City and the surrounding counties, bringing languages, devotions, traditions, and deep and enduring faith. The Archdiocese of New York responded by building parishes, schools, healthcare ministries, and charitable outreach to support Irish, German, Italian, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Filipino, Polish, Haitian, Central American, and many other Catholic communities who made this region their home. 

Among the great figures formed within this history is Venerable Pierre Toussaint, an enslaved man brought from Haiti who became a renowned New York philanthropist, foster father, and model of Christian charity. He is the only lay person to have a resting place in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, a powerful sign of the Church’s gratitude and recognition. 

The archdiocese was also shaped by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who ministered to immigrants across New York City and founded schools, hospitals, and orphanages for those most in need. An immigrant from Italy, she is the first American citizen to be canonized. Her legacy continues at the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Washington Heights, a place of prayer and pilgrimage overlooking the Hudson River that welcomes visitors seeking spiritual comfort and inspiration.  

In the 20th century, Servant of God Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, made the Lower East Side a beacon of mercy and Catholic social teaching. Her witness to the dignity of every human person remains one of New York’s most enduring contributions to the Church in the United States. 

The city also gave rise to Catholic civic leaders such as Al Smith, the first Catholic to receive a major-party nomination for President of the United States. His leadership—and the annual Al Smith Dinner, now a signature New York charitable event—reflects the long and influential intersection of faith and public life in the archdiocese. 

Buildings, Institutions, and a Legacy of Service 

Landmark moments—such as the construction of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in Manahattan, the establishment of the nation’s largest system of Catholic schools, and the rapid expansion of Catholic Charities—demonstrate the Church’s enduring commitment to worship, education, and service. 

Throughout its history, the Archdiocese of New York has also shared a unique and privileged bond with the city’s emergency responders—the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police, and EMS. From blessing firehouses and precincts, to offering chaplaincy during moments of crisis, to walking alongside families after tragedies such as September 11, the archdiocese has stood with the men and women who protect and serve our communities. 

The Archdiocese Today 

The Archdiocese of New York continues to evolve in response to the needs of 2.5 million Catholics across nearly 300 parishes. Our ministries accompany the faithful at every stage of life—through worship, formation, Catholic education, healthcare, and outreach to the poor and vulnerable. New initiatives such as Care of God’s Creation, the Office of Cultural Diversity, and United in Faith strengthen parish life throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley, supporting clergy, engaging families, and fostering vibrant parish communities in a rapidly changing world. 

Looking Ahead 

As we look to the future, we remain profoundly grateful for the generations of faithful—immigrants, families, religious sisters and brothers, priests, deacons, lay leaders, civic servants, and saints—who have built, sustained, and enriched the Archdiocese of New York. Their sacrifices, devotion, and witness form the foundation of Catholic life in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the Hudson Valley—and continue to inspire our mission today.