Roman Catholicism in Zambia
Encyclopedia
The Roman Catholic Church in Zambia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church
, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope
and curia
in Rome
. There are about three million Catholics in the country - about a quarter of the total population. There are ten dioceses, including two archdioceses.
in 1879. Jesuit missions were establihsed among the Tonga
in 1902 and at Broken Hill
in 1927. The White Fathers
, entering from the north in 1891, had greater success in what is now Northern
and Luapula Province
. Permanent Catholic stations on the Copperbelt were provided by Italian Franciscans in 1931. In May 1959 Lusaka became a diocese, and later Kasama also became one. Some media outlets, such as Radio Icengelo and the National Mirror, are linked to the church, which has championed social justice issues and the early pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. For further details see History of Church activities in Zambia
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
and curia
Curia
A curia in early Roman times was a subdivision of the people, i.e. more or less a tribe, and with a metonymy it came to mean also the meeting place where the tribe discussed its affairs...
in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. There are about three million Catholics in the country - about a quarter of the total population. There are ten dioceses, including two archdioceses.
History
The first Catholics in the country were Jesuits who crossed the Zambezi River near Victoria FallsVictoria Falls
The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya is a waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.-Introduction:...
in 1879. Jesuit missions were establihsed among the Tonga
Tonga people
The Tonga are an ethnic group living in northern Malawi. A related ethnic group also called the Tonga are found in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with some in Mozambique.-History:...
in 1902 and at Broken Hill
Kabwe
Kabwe is the capital of the Zambian Central Province with a population estimated at 210,000. Formerly named Broken Hill, it was founded when the Broken Hill lead and zinc deposits were discovered in 1902. Kabwe also has a claim to being the birthplace of Zambian politics...
in 1927. The White Fathers
White Fathers
The missionary society known as "White Fathers" , after their dress, is a Roman Catholic Society of Apostolic Life founded in 1868 by the first Archbishop of Algiers, later Cardinal Lavigerie, as the Missionaries of Our Lady of Africa of Algeria, and is also now known as the Society of the...
, entering from the north in 1891, had greater success in what is now Northern
Northern Province
Northern Province or North Province may refer to:*North Province *Far North Province, Cameroon*North Kazakhstan Province*Northern Province, Rwanda*North Province, New Caledonia*Northern Province, Papua New Guinea...
and Luapula Province
Luapula Province
Luapula Province is one of Zambia's nine provinces, and is located in the north of the country. The provincial capital is Mansa. Luapula Province was named after the Luapula River....
. Permanent Catholic stations on the Copperbelt were provided by Italian Franciscans in 1931. In May 1959 Lusaka became a diocese, and later Kasama also became one. Some media outlets, such as Radio Icengelo and the National Mirror, are linked to the church, which has championed social justice issues and the early pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. For further details see History of Church activities in Zambia
History of Church activities in Zambia
Christianity has been very much at the heart of the narrative the Zambian region since the European colonial explorations into the interior of Africa in the mid 19th century...
Diocese
- Kasama
- Mansa
- Mpika
- Lusaka
- Chipata
- Livingstone
- Mongu
- Monze
- Ndola
- Solwezi