WALLIS and FUTUNA, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of the Islands of. — It is located between the islands of Fiji and Samoa and comprises the islands of W., F. and Alofi, as well as some islets.
On 10 Nov. 1837, Fr Bataillon landed there together with Bp Pompalier and Fr Chanel. After obtaining permission to reside, Fr Bataillon began to learn the language. He and his missionaries, however, had to endure every kind of hardship and severe persecution. On the island of F., Fr Chanel (v.) was killed on 18 Apr. 1841.
The islands were erected into an apostolic vicariate on 11 Nov. 1935, being detached from the apostolic vicariate of Central Oceania (v. TONGA). The population, which numbers about 8,747 inhabitants, is entirely Catholic, served by 10 Marist missionaries and 7 indigenous priests, 3 brothers, and 53 sisters. There are 10 elementary schools, 2 secondary schools, and various charitable works and pious associations.