Roman Catholicism in The Gambia

The Roman Catholic Church in the Gambia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. Of the minority Christian population, there are around 30,000 Catholics, which represents around 2% of the population.

Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country (approximately 95% of the population). The Diocese of Banjul covers the whole of the country. Relations between the Muslim and Christian communities in Gambia is generally very good. The Catholic Church operates various missions including schools which Muslim children attend. In 1992, Pope John Paul II visited Gambia and gave further impetus to the interest in Christian-Muslim relations within the Catholic community. The Pope stressed the importance of the good relations existing between the two. He stated “we are all pilgrims on the path of seeking to do God’s will in everything. Although we differ in many ways, there are important elements of our respective faiths which can serve as a basis for fruitful dialogue and a strengthening of the spirit of tolerance and mutual help”. He met with leaders of the Muslim community, and Muslims were present at the Mass he celebrated at the Independence Stadium whilst in The Gambia.