The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco is a significant ecclesiastical territory in California, serving as the central governing body for the Catholic Church in the region. Established in 1850, it encompasses San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. The archdiocese is part of the larger United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is led by an archbishop. The archdiocese oversees numerous parishes, schools, and charitable organizations, promoting spiritual growth and community service. It also plays a vital role in addressing social issues, providing support to the needy, and fostering interfaith dialogue within the diverse population of the Bay Area.