CHOCÒ, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE of. - It was erected in 1908 and entrusted to the Claretian Fathers of the province of Colombia. Before then, the entire territory of the apostolic prefecture had been entrusted to five secular priests of the diocese of Popayan. At the end of the 19th century the Franciscan Fathers also worked there, but later had to withdraw because of the unhealthiness of the climate and for political reasons. The Claretians founded their first residence in 1909 at Quibdò, followed by those of Istmina and Carmen de Atro in 1910; the latter, however, was detached from the prefecture in 1916 and annexed to the diocese of Jerico.
The mission has an area of 40,000 sq. km., with a population of approximately 80,000 inhabitants, most of whom are Catholics. There are 17 priests, 26 sisters, and 7 brothers. The missionary works are fairly well established: there are elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, and a printing press.