Zambia
Zambia is a Southern African nation, covering approximately 752,618 km² with a population of about 21 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is English, and its economy relies on copper mining, agriculture, and tourism. The Catholic Church, with approximately 4.2 million adherents (20% of the population), is the second-largest religious group after Protestantism (75%), introduced in the 19th century by European missionaries.[2] Catholicism shapes Zambia’s culture through education, charity, and the patronage of Our Lady of Africa.[3]
The Church, with two ecclesiastical provinces and 10 dioceses, has a significant presence, particularly in urban areas like Lusaka, but faces challenges from Protestant growth and traditional beliefs.[4] Sites like the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka and mission stations like Chilubula draw devotees, reinforcing the Church’s role in Zambia’s Christian landscape.[5] Stored: Zambia
| Country: Zambia | |
| Historic: | |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Africa |
| Region: | Southern Africa |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 752618 km² |
| Population: | 21000000 |
| Catholic Population: | 4200000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 20% |
| Catholicism Status: | Significant minority religion, secular state |
| Official Languages: | English |
| Capital: | Lusaka |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 19th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 2 |
| Dioceses: | 10 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of Africa |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Saints
Birthplace
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Death place
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No saints found with death place matching Zambia. |
Notable locations
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No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Zambia. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 2 matching Zambia. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Zambia. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Zambia. |
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No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Zambia. |
Geography
Zambia is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.[6] Its 752,618 km² includes savannas, plateaus, and the Zambezi River, with a tropical climate supporting agriculture. Major cities like Lusaka (the capital), Ndola, and Livingstone host Catholic communities, with mission stations in rural areas like Chilubula. The landlocked terrain challenges Church outreach in remote regions.[7]
History
Zambia’s history includes Bantu migrations, British colonization as Northern Rhodesia (1890–1964), and independence in 1964.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the late 19th century by White Fathers and Jesuit missionaries, who established missions in the 1890s.[9] The Church grew post-independence, focusing on education and healthcare, and played a role in Zambia’s transition to multi-party democracy in 1991.[10]
Demographics
Zambia’s 21 million people include 20% Catholics (4.2 million), 75% Protestants, 5% traditional beliefs, and 1% Muslims.[11] Ethnic groups are primarily Bemba (21%), Tonga (13%), and Chewa (7%). Catholicism is strongest in urban Lusaka and Copperbelt Province, but rural areas show syncretism with traditional practices.[12]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in Zambia comprises two ecclesiastical provinces, 10 dioceses, and about 400 parishes, led by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops.[13] Leaders like Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka oversee education, healthcare, and social justice initiatives. The Church operates schools and hospitals, maintaining influence despite Protestant dominance.[14]
Structure
The Church’s two provinces align with Zambia’s regions.[15]
- Archdiocese of Lusaka (Lusaka, South): Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Chipata (Chipata), Diocese of Kabwe (Kabwe), Diocese of Livingstone (Livingstone), Diocese of Mongu (Mongu).
- Archdiocese of Kasama (Kasama, North): Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Mansa (Mansa), Diocese of Mpika (Mpika), Diocese of Ndola (Ndola), Diocese of Solwezi (Solwezi).
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the late 19th century by White Fathers from France and Jesuits from Poland, who established missions like Chilubula in the 1890s.[16] The Vicariate Apostolic of Nyasa, created in 1897, formalized the Church’s presence, targeting Bemba and other groups.[17]
Key historical events
The 1897 establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Nyasa marked the Church’s formal presence.[18] The Church’s mediation during the 1991 democratic transition, led by figures like Archbishop Elias Mutale, enhanced its influence.[19] The 1989 visit of Pope John Paul II boosted Catholic visibility.[20]
Catholicism status
Catholicism, with 20% adherence, is a significant minority religion in a secular state under the 1996 Constitution, which declares Zambia a Christian nation.[21] The Church enjoys freedom but faces competition from Protestant churches and traditional beliefs.[22]
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrate feasts like Assumption of Mary (August 15) with processions in Lusaka.[23] Local traditions blend Catholic and Bemba rituals, especially in northern missions like Chilubula.[24]
Education and charity
The Church operates over 200 schools and numerous clinics, serving rural and urban areas.[25] Caritas Zambia addresses poverty, HIV/AIDS, and food security, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[26]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage is evident in churches like Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, built in 1962.[27] Mission stations like Chilubula feature simple designs suited to local needs.[28]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
Chilubula Mission in Northern Province is a pilgrimage site for rural Catholics.[29] Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka serves as a spiritual hub.[30]
Historical churches
Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, built in 1962, is a modern landmark.[31] Mukasa Mission Church in Copperbelt, founded in 1905, serves mining communities.[32]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of Africa, celebrated on April 30, is Zambia’s patroness.[33]
Associated saints and blesseds
No canonized saints are directly tied to Zambia, but missionaries like Blessed Joseph Gérard (beatified 1988, active in nearby Lesotho) inspire devotion.[34] Early White Fathers like Louis Dupont are noted for mission work.[35]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Church faces competition from Protestant churches, particularly Pentecostalism, and syncretism with traditional beliefs in rural areas.[36] Limited resources and rural isolation hinder evangelization, countered by catechesis and youth programs.[37]
Social and political influence
The Church influences education, healthcare, and social justice, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[38] It advocates for poverty reduction and democratic governance but remains neutral in politics due to Zambia’s secular framework.[39]
References
- ↑ "Zambia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/counties/zambia/.
- ↑ "Religion in Zambia". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zambia.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Zambia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ZM.htm.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Zambia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/counties/zambia/.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
- ↑ "Zambia". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Zambia.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Zambia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15761a.htm.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/zambia-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Religion in Zambia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-zambia/.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Zambia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ZM.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Education in Zambia". Catholic News Agency. 2021-11-20. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24950/catholic-schools-zambia.
- ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Zambia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ZM.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Zambia". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15761a.htm.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/zambia-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Kasama". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dkasa.html.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Pope John Paul II in Zambia". Vatican. 1989-05-02. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/travels/1989.html.
- ↑ "Religion in Zambia". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-zambia/.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Catholic Education in Zambia". Catholic News Agency. 2021-11-20. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24950/catholic-schools-zambia.
- ↑ "Caritas Zambia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/africa/zambia/.
- ↑ "Cathedral of the Child Jesus". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-the-Child-Jesus-Lusaka.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/zambia-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Chilubula Mission". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/africa/1244.htm.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Cathedral of the Child Jesus". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-the-Child-Jesus-Lusaka.
- ↑ "Mukasa Mission Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/mukasa-mission-church.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
- ↑ "Blessed Joseph Gérard". Vatican. 1988-09-15. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_1988_en.html.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/zambia-catholic-church.
- ↑ "Zambia’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2021-10-12. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-10/zambia-catholic-church-mission.html.
- ↑ "Catholic Youth in Zambia". Catholic News Agency. 2021-12-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24955/catholic-youth-zambia.
- ↑ "Caritas Zambia". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/africa/zambia/.
- ↑ "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.
External links
- "Zambia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/counties/zambia/.
- "Catholic Dioceses in Zambia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ZM.htm.
- "Catholicism in Zambia". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/zambia.