St. John Baptist Cathedral, Penonomé, Catholic cathedral in Penonomé, Panama

St. John Baptist is a Catholic cathedral in the center of Penonomé with classical religious architecture and a main altar. The building features multiple chapels with religious artworks that display Catholic traditions.

Spanish builders erected the church in the mid-16th century, and a report by oidor Diego López de Villanueva y Zapata records that the first mass was celebrated on 12 June 1581. In 1993 Pope John Paul II created the Diocese of Penonomé with the bull Quo aptius, raising the church to cathedral rank. It closed temporarily in 2013 for restoration of the roof and altar and upgrades to security and electricity.

The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the city and draws many faithful on feast days who come to pray and participate in processions. The place shapes the religious life of the community and remains a gathering point for local Catholic residents.

The cathedral is located in the city center and is easy to reach on foot when exploring downtown Penonomé. Visitors should note that services take place at specific times and it is respectful to keep the worship hours in mind.

The cathedral has been in ruins and was closed in 2013 for restoration of the roof and altar, along with upgrades to security and electricity. It serves as the principal church of the Diocese of Penonomé, created in 1993 by Pope John Paul II's bull "Quo aptius".