RABAT, Apostolic Vicariate of. — It was erected on 2 July 1923 by division of the Apostolic Vicariate of Morocco (v. MOROCCO, III. Evangelization) and comprises the entire French zone. It is entrusted to the Franciscans.
It has an area of 415,000 sq km with a population of approximately 8,764,300, of whom 365,000 are Catholics; 100,000 Jews; and 8,000,000 Muslims. There are 227 missionaries, 39 brothers, and 523 sisters. Major seminary with 61 students and minor seminary with 37 students. Catechists: 605. Parishes: 19; primary stations: 38; secondary stations: 180. Elementary schools: 12; middle schools: 15; orphanages: 14. The apostolate is particularly difficult due to the scarcity of personnel and the Muslim environment.
BIBL.: V. MOROCCO; MC, 1950, p. 91; Arch. di Prop. Fide, pos. prot. n. 4713/51.