Puerto Rican Catholic Church begins revitalization and rebuilding project

A new initiative aims to renew the Catholic Church's presence across Puerto Rico following years of natural disasters impacting the island. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop Roberto González Nieves of San Juan unveiled the project at the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist on March 31. The effort seeks to revitalize over 600 Catholic churches, more than 25 schools, and various church structures across the island's five dioceses.

The announcement was attended by local bishops, laypeople, public officials, and private sector leaders. Archbishop González emphasized the enduring faith of the Puerto Rican people, crediting their devotion to the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, and the apostolic traditions as crucial to the restoration of the church community.

The interdiocesan initiative involves a partnership with the Catholic Extension Society and will span five to seven years. Financial support includes over $400 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and private donations.

Cardinal Cupich highlighted Catholic Extension's historical support for the church on the island, noting its role in assisting Catholic communities in impoverished regions of the U.S., including Puerto Rico. "We have supported the church on the island for at least 120 years," he stated.

The rebuilding efforts are expected to create approximately 7,000 jobs and improve the infrastructure needed for pastoral and humanitarian aid. About 43% of Puerto Rico's population lives in poverty, and the church's enhanced facilities aim to provide significant support.

The island's infrastructure, including its power grid, remains vulnerable due to frequent hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2017, Hurricane Maria resulted in an extensive power outage, with nearly 3,000 fatalities in the aftermath. Additional damage occurred with a series of earthquakes between 2019 and 2020.

Cardinal Cupich has been keeping Pope Francis informed about the progress, expressing hope and gratitude for the "physical and tangible results" of the restoration project. He noted the efforts of many which have led to this point, viewing it as the start of a new chapter for Puerto Rico's church communities.

Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.