HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF CATHOLICISM IN CHINA IN THE 14TH – FIRST HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURIES

The article is devoted to the development of Catholicism in China. broad chronological framework (the 14th – first half 20th centuries) makes it possible determine nature its spatial expansion. attention paid geographical logic Roman Catholic Church progress within territorial and organizational structure country included main core located Northern China covering historical Zhili province with center Beijing adjacent regions Inner Mongolia, Shandong Shanxi. It was distinguished by highest number density population, as well greatest concentration administrative-territorial institutions (units) Church, clergy religious infrastructure. four cores second order, which had a smaller were: Jiangsu centers Shanghai Nanjing east, Hubei center, Guangdong Catholics Pearl River Delta south, Sichuan west. Considering both population political side network China, authors conclude that need institutional consolidation from Holy See, could give status dioceses temporary administrative units apostolic vicariates, uniting them into ecclesiastical provinces metropolises. Until this happened, unity space not be ensured, since each vicariate directly subordinate institution Curia, Congregation for Propaganda Faith, responsible missionary activities.