BAMAKO, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF. — The apostolic vicariate in French West Africa, Sudan, was created in 1921 by dividing the pre-existing vicariate of the Sahara, which was run by the White Fathers. In 1947, the western region was erected into the apostolic prefecture of Kayes.
The population is approximately 976,904 inhabitants, belonging to the Sudanese race, mostly Bambara; however, in the city (since 1908 B. has been the capital of Sudan) it is cosmopolitan. The dominant religion is Islam, tenacious, active, and protected by the government authorities.
The mission covers about 20,000 sq. km. The first station was that of Kati, a military center 15 km from B., where there was only a chapel from 1908, which, however, did not become a permanent residence until 1923. The Catholics, who numbered 3,793 in 1934, now (latest statistics in 1948) number 6,741, served by 24 foreign priests and 1 indigenous priest, 3 brothers, and 33 sisters; there are 1,571 catechumens. Muslims number about 370,000 and pagans (animists) 600,000. There are 7 elementary schools with 917 pupils, 4 professional schools with 56 pupils, and 3 schools for catechists with 36 pupils.