CHOCÓ, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE OF. — It was erected in 1908 and entrusted to the Claretian Fathers of the Colombian province. Before then, the entire territory of the apostolic prefecture was served by five secular priests of the Diocese of Popayán. At the end of the 19th century, the Franciscan Fathers also worked there but had to leave due to the unhealthy climate and political reasons. The Claretians established their first residence in 1909 at Quibdó, followed by those at Istmina and Carmen de Atrato in 1910; however, the latter was detached from the prefecture in 1916 and annexed to the Diocese of Jericó.
The mission covers an area of 40,000 sq. km with a population of approximately 80,000, most of whom are Catholic. There are 17 priests, 26 sisters, and 7 brothers. The missionary works are well underway: there are primary and secondary schools, hospitals, and a printing press.