CaTiO3:Pr3+ was synthesized from oxalate precursor [CaTiO(C2O4)2·4H2O] (CTO) at 900°C, in which Pr3+ ions were dispersed by room temperature grinding. The decomposition process of the oxalate precursor was analyzed by the thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry curve (TG–DTG). The crystallization and luminescence properties of CaTiO3:Pr3+ were tested by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), luminescence spectrometer and brightness meter. The oxalate precursor has a characteristic of weak red afterglow after being excited by ultraviolet (UV) light at room temperature for 15min. The result suggested that phosphor is typically synthesized for a doping level of 0.1wt% at 900°C for 6h, which were regarded as the optimal synthesis conditions.