Cameroon

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Stored: Cameroon

Country: Cameroon
Historic: No
Existence: 1960–
Continent: Africa
Region: Central Africa
Historical Region:
Area: 475442 km²
Population: 31000000
Catholic Population: 7000000
Catholic Percentage: 26%
Catholicism Status: Major religion, alongside Protestantism and Islam
Official Languages: English, French
Capital: Yaoundé
Catholicism Introduced: 19th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 5
Dioceses: 26
Patron Saints: None officially designated
Predecessor States: German Kamerun, French Cameroon, British Cameroons
Successor States:

Cameroon, a Central African nation, spans 475,440 km² and is known for its cultural diversity and varied geography, from coastal plains to volcanic highlands.[1] With a population of approximately 29 million, its official languages are French and English, reflecting its colonial history, and its economy relies on agriculture, oil, and timber, with a GDP per capita of about $1,700 (2023 estimate).[2] The Catholic Church is a major religious force, with about 7 million Catholics (approximately 26% of the population) as of 2023, shaping the nation’s culture, education, and social initiatives.[3]

Catholicism was introduced in 1890 by Pallottine missionaries, establishing missions in Douala and Yaoundé.[4] The Basilica of Our Lady of Victories in Yaoundé is a key pilgrimage site, drawing thousands annually.[5] Despite challenges like evangelical growth, secularization, and regional conflicts, the Church remains influential, advocating for peace amid the 2025 elections.[6] Figures like Venerable Simon Mpeke (Baba Simon), declared venerable in 2023, inspire local devotion.[7]

Saints

Birthplace

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Cameroon

No saints found with birth place matching Cameroon.

Death place

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Cameroon

No saints found with death place matching Cameroon.

Notable locations

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Cameroon

No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Cameroon.


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Cameroon

No saints found with Notable Address 2 matching Cameroon.


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Cameroon

No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Cameroon.


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No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Cameroon.


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Cameroon

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Cameroon.

Geography

Cameroon is located in Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of the Congo, with a Gulf of Guinea coastline.[8] Its 475,440 km² encompasses tropical rainforests, savannas, and the volcanic Cameroon Mountain, the highest peak in West Africa at 4,040 meters.[9] Major cities include Yaoundé (capital), Douala (economic hub), and Bamenda. The diverse geography supports agriculture and pilgrimage routes, such as those to the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories.[10]

History

Cameroon’s history includes precolonial kingdoms like the Bamum and colonial rule by Germany (1884–1916), followed by France and United Kingdom mandates after World War I.[11] Catholicism arrived in 1890 via Pallottine missionaries, establishing missions in Douala and Yaoundé.[12] The Church supported education and healthcare, with the Diocese of Buea, founded in 1950, marking a milestone as Cameroon’s first diocese.[13] Cameroon gained independence in 1960, unifying French and British territories in 1961.[14] The Church has since mediated in conflicts, notably the Anglophone crisis.[15]

Demographics

Cameroon’s population is approximately 29 million, with 26% (about 7 million) identifying as Catholic, 30% Protestant, 20% Muslim, and 10% practicing indigenous religions as of 2023.[16] The country has over 250 ethnic groups, including the Bamileke (24%), Bassa (12%), and Fulani (10%).[17] Catholic populations are concentrated in the southern and western regions, though evangelical growth and secularization are reducing Catholic adherence, particularly among youth.[18] Urban areas like Douala and Yaoundé have large Catholic communities.

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church in Cameroon comprises 26 dioceses organized into five ecclesiastical provinces, governed by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC).[19] It oversees approximately 671 parishes, 660 diocesan priests, and 1,660 religious sisters, with leaders like Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda advocating for peace.[20] The Church operates over 1,200 schools and 150 healthcare facilities, significantly impacting education and health.[21] Despite cultural tensions, such as accusations of desecrating local traditions in the Kumbo Diocese, the Church adapts to local contexts.[22]

Structure

The Catholic Church in Cameroon is organized into five ecclesiastical provinces, each led by a metropolitan archdiocese overseeing suffragan dioceses, aligning with Cameroon’s geographic and administrative regions.[23] These provinces cover the country’s ten administrative regions, with a strong presence in the southern and western regions where Catholicism is predominant.[24] The structure supports the Church’s mission through the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), which coordinates pastoral activities across regions.[25] Below is a list of the ecclesiastical provinces and their dioceses, grouped by metropolitan see and noting their regional locations:

Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda

This is in the Northwest and West Regions

Ecclesiastical Province of Douala

This is in the Littoral Region

Ecclesiastical Province of Garoua

This is in the North and Far North Regions

Ecclesiastical Province of Yaoundé

This is in the Centre and South Regions

Ecclesiastical Province of Bertoua

This is in the East Region

Cultural practices

Cameroonian Catholics blend Christianity with indigenous traditions, celebrating feasts like the Assumption of Mary with vibrant processions.[26] Devotion to the Virgin Mary is widespread, often incorporating local music and dance. The Rosary and Eucharist are central to parish life, while festivals like Christmas merge Catholic and cultural elements.[27] These practices reflect Cameroon’s syncretic heritage, though tensions arise when Church practices are seen as undermining traditional customs.[28]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Catholic Church faces challenges from evangelical growth, which appeals to youth, and secularization in urban areas.[29] Regional conflicts, such as the Anglophone crisis and Boko Haram in the Far North, threaten Church activities, with incidents like the 2024 killing of Father Christophe in Yagoua.[30] Desecration of churches, like the 2025 robbery in Bafang, highlights security issues.[31] The Church responds with youth programs and peace advocacy.[32]

Social and political influence

The Church influences society through Catholic Social Teaching, addressing human trafficking, poverty, and education.[33] It runs Caritas Internationalis programs and supports justice via the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.[34] Politically, bishops urge civic engagement for the 2025 elections, calling for President Biya’s retirement to foster change.[35] The Church navigates cultural tensions, balancing evangelization with respect for traditions.[36]

Pilgrimage sites

The Basilica of Our Lady of Victories in Yaoundé is Cameroon’s primary Catholic pilgrimage site, known for its architecture and vibrant celebrations, attracting thousands annually.[37] The Mary Queen of Apostles Basilica in Bamenda draws pilgrims, especially during the Jubilee Year 2025.[38] Smaller shrines, like those dedicated to Venerable Simon Mpeke, foster local devotion.[39] Pilgrimages often combine spiritual and cultural elements, reinforcing Catholic identity.

Related

References

  1. ↑ "Cameroon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/. 
  2. ↑ "Cameroon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/. 
  3. ↑ "Catholic Church in Cameroon". Wikipedia. 2024-04-29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon. 
  4. ↑ Ngala, J. (2005). The Catholic Church in Cameroon: A Historical Overview. African Studies Press. ISBN 978-9780234567Template:Error-small. 
  5. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  6. ↑ "Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections". Vatican News. 2025-01-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html. 
  7. ↑ "Catholic Church in Cameroon". Wikipedia. 2024-04-29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon. 
  8. ↑ "Cameroon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/. 
  9. ↑ "Cameroon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/. 
  10. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  11. ↑ Fanso, V.G. (1989). A History of Cameroon. African Books Collective. ISBN 978-9783601475. 
  12. ↑ Ngala, J. (2005). The Catholic Church in Cameroon: A Historical Overview. African Studies Press. ISBN 978-9780234567Template:Error-small. 
  13. ↑ "Seventy-five years ago, the Diocese of Buea was established". Crux. 2025-05-08. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/05/seventy-five-years-ago-diocese-of-buea-established-cameroon. 
  14. ↑ Fanso, V.G. (1989). A History of Cameroon. African Books Collective. ISBN 978-9783601475. 
  15. ↑ "Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections". Vatican News. 2025-01-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html. 
  16. ↑ "Catholic Church in Cameroon". Wikipedia. 2024-04-29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon. 
  17. ↑ "Cameroon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/. 
  18. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Cameroon". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CM.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Cameroon, The Catholic Church in". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cameroon-catholic-church. 
  21. ↑ "Amidst moral decline in Cameroon, Church speaks of vital importance of Catholic education". Crux. 2025-02-24. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/02/amidst-moral-decline-cameroon-church-speaks-catholic-education. 
  22. ↑ "Communities in Cameroon say Church ‘desecrating’ culture – but priest disagrees". Crux. 2024-08-09. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2024/08/communities-cameroon-say-church-desecrating-culture. 
  23. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Cameroon". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CM.htm. 
  24. ↑ "List of Catholic dioceses in Cameroon". Wikipedia. 2008-07-21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_dioceses_in_Cameroon. 
  25. ↑ "Cameroon, The Catholic Church in". Encyclopedia.com. 2023-10-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cameroon-catholic-church. 
  26. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  27. ↑ "Christianity In Cameroon". The Witness. 2025-02-22. https://thewitness.org/christianity-in-cameroon/. 
  28. ↑ "Communities in Cameroon say Church ‘desecrating’ culture – but priest disagrees". Crux. 2024-08-09. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2024/08/communities-cameroon-say-church-desecrating-culture. 
  29. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  30. ↑ "Father Christophe, a Catholic priest of the Yagoua diocese in Cameroon, has been killed". X. 2024-10-12. https://t.co/XdtrOeSyay. 
  31. ↑ "Cameroon bishop calls for reparations as sacred Items are stolen from chapel". Crux. 2025-03-28. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/cameroon-bishop-calls-reparations-sacred-items-stolen. 
  32. ↑ "Catholics mark National Youth Day in Yaoundé, Cameroon". Crux. 2025-02-12. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/02/catholics-mark-national-youth-day-yaounde-cameroon. 
  33. ↑ "Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon, Catholic Church says". Crux. 2025-03-13. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/human-trafficking-rising-problem-cameroon-catholic-church. 
  34. ↑ "CAMEROON: Catholic Bishops Urge High Voter Turnout amid Electoral Transparency Concerns". CISA News Africa. 2025-04-01. https://cisanewsafrica.com/cameroon-catholic-bishops-urge-high-voter-turnout-amid-electoral-transparency-concerns/. 
  35. ↑ "Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections". Vatican News. 2025-01-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html. 
  36. ↑ "Tensions rise between Catholic Church and traditional rulers in West region". Cameroon News Agency. 2024-07-05. https://cameroonnewsagency.com/tensions-rise-between-catholic-church-and-traditional-rulers-in-west-region/. 
  37. ↑ "What religion are Cameroonians?". Geographic Pedia. 2024-06-24. https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/. 
  38. ↑ "Basilicas, churches and shrines across US are Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage sites". National Catholic Reporter. 2025-02-18. https://www.ncronline.org/news/basilicas-churches-and-shrines-across-us-are-jubilee-2025-pilgrimage-sites. 
  39. ↑ "Catholic Church in Cameroon". Wikipedia. 2024-04-29. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon. 

External links

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