Catholic Church in Western Sahara facts for kids
The Catholic Church in Western Sahara is a small part of the big, worldwide Catholic Church. It follows the spiritual guidance of the Pope, who lives in Rome. This church is mainly for people who have moved to Western Sahara from other countries.
Contents
History of the Catholic Church in Western Sahara
How Catholicism Arrived
Western Sahara used to be a Spanish colony, which means Spain ruled it. The Catholic faith came to this land because of Spanish colonialism (when one country takes control of another) and earlier trips by the Portuguese.
Changes After 1975
Before Spain left Western Sahara in 1975, there were more than 20,000 Spanish Catholics living there. They made up about 32% of all the people. After 1975, when Morocco took control of much of the area, most of these Spanish Catholics left.
Current Christian Community
Today, Western Sahara is mostly Muslim. Almost all the people who were born there are Muslim. The Christian community is very small. It has about 260 expatriates, who are mostly Spaniards living away from their home country. The total population of Western Sahara is over 587,000 people.
What is an Apostolic Prefecture?
Western Sahara does not have a full diocese (a large area managed by a bishop). Instead, the entire country is one single apostolic prefecture. This is a special area managed by a priest called an Apostolic Prefect. It's like a mission area that is still growing.
Timeline of the Prefecture
The Catholic Church in Western Sahara started as the Apostolic Prefecture of Spanish Sahara and Ifni on July 5, 1954. It was later renamed the Apostolic Prefecture of Spanish Sahara on May 2, 1970. Finally, on May 2, 1976, it became the Apostolic Prefecture of Western Sahara.
Catholic Presence Today
As of 2014, there are two Catholic churches in Western Sahara. There are also two priests and two religious brothers who help lead the church community.
Leaders of the Prefecture
Since 1954, only three Apostolic Prefects have led the Catholic Church in Western Sahara:
- Félix Erviti Barcelona: He was the first leader, from July 19, 1954, until he retired on July 6, 1994.
- Acacio Valbuena Rodríguez: He took over on July 10, 1994, and retired in 2009.
- Mario León Dorado: He was appointed by Pope Francis on June 24, 2013. He belongs to a group called the OMI.
Catholic Apostolic Prefecture of West Sahara
- This is the official name for the Catholic Church's special area in Western Sahara.
Cathedrals in Western Sahara
- Spanish Cathedral in El-Aaiún: This church is also known as St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Laayoune. It is the main church for the Catholic Apostolic Prefecture of West Sahara.
- Spanish Cathedral in Dakhla: This church is also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Dakhla.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia católica en el Sahara Occidental para niños