Central African Republic
Stored: Central African Republic
| Country: Central African Republic | |
| Historic: | |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Africa |
| Region: | Central Africa |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 622984 km² |
| Population: | 5800000 |
| Catholic Population: | 1740000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 30% |
| Catholicism Status: | Significant minority religion, secular state |
| Official Languages: | French, Sango |
| Capital: | Bangui |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 19th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 1 |
| Dioceses: | 9 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Central African Republic (CAR) is a Central African nation, covering approximately 622,984 km² with a population of about 5.8 million as of 2025.[1] Its official languages are French and Sango, and its economy relies on agriculture, diamonds, and timber. The Catholic Church, with approximately 1.74 million adherents (30% of the population), is the second-largest religious group after Protestantism (50%), introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries.[2] Catholicism shapes CAR’s culture through education, charity, and the patronage of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.[3]
The Church, with one ecclesiastical province and nine dioceses, has a notable presence, particularly in urban areas like Bangui, but faces challenges from Protestant growth, traditional beliefs, and ongoing conflict.[4] Sites like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Bangui serve as spiritual hubs, reinforcing the Church’s role despite instability.[5]
Saints
Birthplace
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Death place
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No saints found with death place matching Central African Republic. |
Notable locations
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No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Central African Republic. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Central African Republic. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Central African Republic. |
Geography
The CAR is located in Central Africa, bordered by Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon.[6] Its 622,984 km² includes savannas, rainforests, and the Ubangi River, with a tropical climate supporting agriculture. Major cities like Bangui (the capital), Bambari, and Berbérati host Catholic communities, with mission stations in rural areas. The landlocked terrain and conflict-related insecurity challenge Church outreach.[7]
History
The CAR’s history includes indigenous Bantu societies, French colonization as Ubangi-Shari (1894–1960), and independence in 1960, followed by political instability and civil wars (2012–present).[8] Catholicism was introduced in the late 19th century by French Spiritan Fathers, who established missions in the 1890s.[9] The Church grew during colonial rule, focusing on education and healthcare, and has since played a key role in peacebuilding amid ongoing conflicts.
Predecessor states
The CAR’s territory was historically part of indigenous kingdoms like the Azande and Banda chiefdoms before European contact.[10] The French colony of Ubangi-Shari, established in 1894 and later part of French Equatorial Africa, directly preceded independence in 1960.[11] Catholic missions, led by the Spiritan Fathers, were integral to colonial education and evangelization, establishing early Christian communities.[12]
Successor states
The CAR, independent since 1960, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation despite civil conflicts and separatist movements.[13] The Catholic Church has supported peacebuilding efforts, notably through the Platform for Religious Confessions, helping maintain national unity amid instability.[14]
Demographics
The CAR’s 5.8 million people include 30% Catholics (1.74 million), 50% Protestants, 15% Muslims, and 5% traditional beliefs.[15] Ethnic groups are primarily Gbaya (33%), Banda (27%), and Mandjia (13%). Catholicism is strongest in urban Bangui and western regions, but rural areas show syncretism with traditional practices.[16]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in the Central African Republic comprises one ecclesiastical province, nine dioceses, and about 150 parishes, led by the Central African Episcopal Conference.[17] Leaders like Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui oversee education, healthcare, and peace initiatives. The Church operates schools and clinics, maintaining influence despite conflict and Protestant competition.[18]
Structure
The Church’s single province aligns with CAR’s regions.[19]
- Archdiocese of Bangui (Bangui, Central): Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Alindao (Alindao), Diocese of Bambari (Bambari), Diocese of Bangassou (Bangassou), Diocese of Berbérati (Berbérati), Diocese of Bossangoa (Bossangoa), Diocese of Bouar (Bouar), Diocese of Kaga-Bandoro (Kaga-Bandoro), Diocese of Mbaïki (Mbaïki).
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the late 19th century by French Spiritan Fathers, who established missions in Ubangi-Shari in the 1890s.[20] The Vicariate Apostolic of Ubangi-Shari, created in 1909, formalized the Church’s presence, targeting Gbaya and Banda communities.[21]
Key historical events
The 1909 establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Ubangi-Shari marked the Church’s formal presence.[22] The Church’s peacebuilding efforts during the 2012–present civil war, led by Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga, enhanced its influence.[23] The 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Bangui boosted Catholic visibility.[24]
Catholicism status
Catholicism, with 30% adherence, is a significant minority religion in a secular state under the 2016 Constitution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in the Central African Republic |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-the-central-african-republic/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=202
- ↑ "Central African Republic". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/central-african-republic/.
- ↑ "Religion in the Central African Republic". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Central_African_Republic.
- ↑ "Catholicism in the Central African Republic". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/central-african-republic.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the Central African Republic". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CF.htm.
- ↑ "CAR’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-01-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-01/car-catholic-church-peacebuilding.html.
- ↑ "Central African Republic". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/central-african-republic/.
- ↑ "Catholicism in the Central African Republic". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/central-african-republic.
- ↑ "Central African Republic". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-African-Republic.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Central African Republic". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03494a.htm.
- ↑ "Azande Kingdom". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Azande.
- ↑ "Ubangi-Shari". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ubangi-shari.
- ↑ "CAR’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/central-african-republic-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Central African Republic". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-African-Republic.
- ↑ "CAR’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-01-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-01/car-catholic-church-peacebuilding.html.
- ↑ "Religion in the Central African Republic". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-the-central-african-republic/.
- ↑ "Catholicism in the Central African Republic". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/central-african-republic.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the Central African Republic". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CF.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Education in the CAR". Catholic News Agency. 2022-02-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24980/catholic-schools-car.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in the Central African Republic". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CF.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Central African Republic". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03494a.htm.
- ↑ "CAR’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/central-african-republic-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bangui". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbang.html.
- ↑ "CAR’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2022-01-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-01/car-catholic-church-peacebuilding.html.
- ↑ "Pope Francis in the CAR". Vatican. 2015-11-29. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2015/outside/documents/papa-francesco-repubblica-centrafricana-2015.html.