History of the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh

Bishop's residence pre-1970, Phnom Penh

On August 30, 1850 the Holy See created the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh which covered the Kingdom of Cambodia. From 1870 up to 1955, three provinces of lower Cambodia, namely: Phsardec, Chaudoc and Sroctrang were placed under the care of the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh.

On September 20, 1955 the Holy See placed the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh in charge of the Catholics of Cambodia alone.

On September 23, 1968 the Holy See divided the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh into three ecclesiastical Circumscriptions, namely: the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, the Apostolic prefectures of Battambang and Kompong Cham.

Nowadays, the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh comprises Phnom Penh city, Kep city, Sihanoukville, the provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, Kompong Speu and Koh Kong.

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