South Sudan

South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked nation in East Africa, covering approximately 619,745 km² with a population of about 11.5 million as of June 2025. Known for its oil resources and vast wetlands, South Sudan’s economy faces challenges from conflict and poverty, with English as the official language. The Catholic Church, with approximately 5.1 million adherents (44% of the population), plays a major role, introduced in the 19th century by European missionaries. Catholicism influences communities through devotion to Our Lady of South Sudan, the nation’s patroness, and festivals like Assumption Day.

South Sudan’s tropical climate and multi-ethnic culture, blending Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk influences, foster a strong Catholic presence, evident in churches like the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Juba. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and charities, wielding significant influence despite Protestant growth and ongoing conflicts. Rooted in its history as part of Sudan and post-2011 independence, Catholicism contributes to education, healthcare, and peacebuilding in a fragile nation. Stored: South Sudan

Country: South Sudan
Historic:	Yes
Existence:	–
Continent:	Africa
Region:	East Africa
Historical Region:
Area:	619745 km²
Population:	11500000
Catholic Population:	5100000
Catholic Percentage:	44%
Catholicism Status:	Minority religion
Official Languages:	English
Capital:	Juba
Catholicism Introduced:	19th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	1
Dioceses:	7
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of South Sudan
Predecessor States:
Successor States:

Geography

South Sudan is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, and the Central African Republic to the west, covering 619,745 km². Its tropical climate supports agriculture and pastoralism, with the Sudd wetlands, White Nile, and savannas. Major cities, including Juba, Wau, and Malakal, host Catholic communities, with churches like St. Mary’s Cathedral serving as spiritual hubs. South Sudan’s geography, disrupted by conflict, limits Catholic activities to urban and secure areas.

History

South Sudan’s history includes pre-colonial ethnic societies, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1899–1956), and integration into Sudan until independence in 2011, followed by civil wars (2013–2020). Catholicism was introduced in the 1840s by Comboni Missionaries, targeting Dinka and Nuer communities. The Archdiocese of Juba, established in 1974, formalized Catholic presence. The Church has supported education, healthcare, and peacebuilding amid ongoing conflicts.

Demographics

South Sudan’s population of approximately 11.5 million is predominantly Dinka (36%), Nuer (16%), and Shilluk (10%). Catholics number about 5.1 million (44%), a significant minority amid Protestants (30%), traditional religions (20%), and Muslims (6%). Urban Juba and rural areas like Torit have strong Catholic communities. Protestant growth and conflict-related displacement challenge Catholic influence.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in South Sudan operates under one ecclesiastical province, with seven dioceses and over 500 parishes. The Church runs schools, hospitals, and charities like Caritas South Sudan, led by the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Bishops, including Paride Taban, promote Catholic Social Teaching.

Ecclesiastical Provinces and Dioceses

The Catholic Church in South Sudan is organized into one ecclesiastical province, with a total of seven dioceses.

Archdiocese of Juba

The Archdiocese of Juba has six Suffragan dioceses including:

1. Diocese of Malakal
2. Diocese of Rumbek
3. Diocese of Tombura-Yambio
4. Diocese of Torit
5. Diocese of Wau
6. Diocese of Yei

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 1840s by Comboni Missionaries, targeting Dinka, Nuer, and other ethnic communities. Early churches like Gondokoro Mission emerged. Anglo-Egyptian rule supported Catholic expansion, blending it with local traditions.

Key historical events

Key milestones include:

• First missions in the 1840s
• Establishment of the Archdiocese of Juba in 1974
• The Church:

 * Supported education during colonial era
 * Promoted peace during 2013–2020 civil wars

• Pope Francis visited in 2023, reinforcing the Church’s role.

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 44% of the population, is a major minority religion, enjoying legal recognition and cultural influence. The Church wields significant influence through education, healthcare, and peace advocacy, navigating Protestant growth and conflict challenges.

Administrative subdivisions

South Sudan is divided into 10 states and three administrative areas, namely Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Abyei, Greater Pibor, and Ruweng, which serve as first-level administrative subdivisions. Juba, in Central Equatoria, serves as the administrative and Catholic hub.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Assumption Day on August 15 and Our Lady of South Sudan with processions in Juba and Wau. These festivals blend faith with Dinka and Nuer identity.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools like St. Daniel Comboni School and supports Caritas South Sudan, aiding refugees and conflict victims, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage shines in St. Mary’s Cathedral, a 20th-century structure in Juba, with religious art reflecting South Sudanese and Christian motifs.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Juba and Holy Family Cathedral in Wau attract pilgrims, especially during Marian feasts.

Historical churches

Gondokoro Mission Church (1850s) and Rumbek Cathedral are significant for their missionary-era architecture.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of South Sudan is South Sudan’s patroness, venerated locally.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are directly tied to South Sudan, but Blessed Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese saint, is venerated regionally, canonized in 2000.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Protestant growth (30%), ongoing conflicts, and humanitarian crises. It responds with evangelization, peacebuilding, and social outreach.

Social and political influence

The Catholic Church shapes education, healthcare, and peacebuilding through Caritas South Sudan, advocating for social justice and reconciliation, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

External links

• "South Sudan". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/south-sudan/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in South Sudan". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-12. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SS.htm. 
• "Religion in South Sudan". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/south-sudan.