COCHABAMBA, DIOCESE OF. — In the Republic of Bolivia, erected by Pius IX on 23 June 1847.
It has a population of 642,000, of whom 635,000 are Catholics, divided into 53 parishes, served by 67 diocesan priests and 32 regular clergy (1948). It is a suffragan of La Paz. The first diocesan synod was celebrated on 8 December 1872. The episcopal city, besides the fine Cathedral, possesses several notable churches: S. Francesco, S. Giuseppe, S. Giovanni di Dio, S. Domenico, S. Antonio, the church of the Jesuits, etc.; in addition, the city contains the convent of S. Francesco and the monasteries of S. Chiara, the Cappuccines, and S. Teresa. Formerly there were six other convents, the oldest of which, S. Agostino, is now the Acha Theatre; the convent and church of La Mercede have been converted into a public market, while the others have been adapted for use as schools or hospitals. The most celebrated shrines of the diocese are those of Toco, Misque, and Arani. The Cathedral possesses a good collection of artistic paintings; the former convent of the Carmelites houses five canvases by Goya, and the Franciscan convent has a fine library.