The diocese was created by
Pope Francis on October 19, 2023, from territories of the
Diocese of Comodoro Rivadavia and made Roberto Álvarez its first bishop. It is a suffragan see of the
Archdiocese of Bahía Blanca. With the erection of this diocese, every Argentine province now has a diocese in its political capital. The founding of this diocese has attracted attention and support from local officials. The diocese was formally created and its first bishop instituted at a Mass on February 17, 2024. The ceremony was led by
Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina,
Mirosław Adamczyk, and attended by many Argentine churchmen. Among those celebrating were Archbishop
Carlos Azpiroz Costa, Bishop
Oscar Ojea, and Cardinal
Ángel Rossi. In 2024 bishop Roberto Álvarez described the religious landscape of Patagonia as mission territory. "The Patagonian Church is special, and very different from the rest of Argentina. For example, we are a land of evangelisation, a mission country. This region does not have deep Christian roots". ==See also==