DAKAR, Apostolic Vicariate of. - The evangelization of the Senegalese coasts dates back to the late 18th century and was hindered by the unfortunate interventions of French authorities who appointed apostolic prefects and regulated missionary activity at will. More effective work began in 1852, especially through educational institutions. Efforts were also made to penetrate slowly into the interior to counter the advance of Islam.
On 6 February 1863, the territory was erected as the Apostolic Vicariate of Senegambia and entrusted to the Fathers of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, detached from that of the Two Guineas; from 1873, the apostolic vicar was also apostolic prefect of Saint-Louis of Senegal (v.). In 1893, the first Synod of West Africa was held, during which regulations were promulgated that constituted the official directory of the mission.
After 1902, the mission suffered from the application of secularist laws decreed in France, which greatly benefited Islam. Despite these and other manifold difficulties—of personnel, material resources, and climate—the mission continued to organize itself, and in 1924 it was possible to convene in Dakar the first Council of French West Africa.
From the vicariate in question, the Apostolic Prefecture of French Guinea was detached in 1897, becoming a vicariate in 1920 (v. KONAKRY; KANKAN); in 1931, Gambia (v.) was detached, and in 1939 the Apostolic Prefecture of Ziguinchor. On 27 January 1936, it took the name of Dakar, which in 1947 became the seat of the Apostolic Delegation for the missions of French Africa.
The territory covers approximately 985,000 sq. km. with a population of about 1,680,346 inhabitants, of whom 57,335 are Catholic, 2,453 catechumens, 1,910 Eastern Christians, 648 Protestants, 1,368,545 Muslims, and 249,445 pagans. There are 3 districts, 7 quasi-parishes, 8 primary stations, and 188 secondary ones. In the 79 schools of various levels, about 4,347 students are educated. Two periodicals are published, with a total circulation of 100 copies. The mission is served by 40 missionaries, including 2 indigenous priests, 13 brothers, and 130 sisters. There is a major and a minor seminary.