Roman Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem in South Africa

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem (Bethlehemen(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Bethlehem in the ecclesiastical province of Bloemfontein in South Africa.

History

 * Prior to 1924 the territory was part of the Kimberly Vicariate.
 * From 1924 to February 12, 1948, it was known as the Kroonstad Vicariate.
 * In February 1948, the Kroonstad Vicariate was split into two separate Vicariates by Papal Decree; the western part with Kroonstad was entrusted to the Dominican Fathers of the Dutch Province, while the eastern part with Bethlehem was entrusted to the Holy Ghost Fathers (CSSp) of the German Province.
 * February 12, 1948: the territory was established as the Apostolic Vicariate of Bethlehem from the Apostolic Vicariate of Kroonstad
 * January 11, 1951: the Apostolic Vicariate was promoted and became the Diocese of Bethlehem.

In 2023, there were 74.343 Catholics in the diocese, just over 10% of the local population.

Special churches
The Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Bethlehem.

Bishops

 * Vicars Apostolic of Bethlehem (Latin Church)
 * Léon Klerlein (1948.02.12 – 1950.05.22)
 * Peter Kelleter (1950.03.12 – 1951.01.11 see below)
 * Bishops of Bethlehem (Latin Church)
 * Peter Kelleter (see above 1951.01.11 – 1975.07.05)
 * Hubert Bucher (1976.12.09 - 2008.12.31)
 * Jan de Groef (since 2008.12.31)

Other priest of this diocese who became bishop

 * Xolelo Thaddaeus Kumalo, appointed Bishop of Eshowe in  2008