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.

There are around 42,400 Catholics (2006) in The Gambia - just under two percent of the total population. The Diocese of Banjul covers the entire country and has 56 parishes divided.

Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country (about 95 % of the population ). The relations between the Muslim and Christian communities in the Gambia is very good in general. The Catholic Church operates various missions, including schools, visit the Muslim children. 1992 Pope John Paul II Gambia and gave further impetus to the interest in Christian-Muslim relations within the Catholic community. The Pope stressed the importance of good relations between the two. He explained,

" ... We are all pilgrims on the path of seeking to do God's will in everything. Although we differentiate in many ways, there are important elements of our respectivement faiths Which can serve as a basis for fruitful dialogue and a Strengthening of the spirit of tolerance and mutual help. "

"... We are all pilgrims do on the path of seeking God's will in everything. Although we differ in many respects, there are important elements of our respective religions, which can serve as a basis for a fruitful dialogue and strengthening of the spirit of tolerance and mutual aid. "

He met with leaders of the Muslim community, and while a Mass was celebrated at the Independence Stadium in Gambia, Muslims were present.