10 Of The Biggest Catholic Churches In Africa By Capacity

This list ranks the top 10 Catholic churches in Africa by seating capacity. Africa is home to over 265 million Catholics, making it one of the fastest-growing Catholic regions in the world. With such a large population, the continent has built some of the biggest churches to accommodate worshippers.

Which Are The Biggest Catholic Churches In Africa?

Here are the top 10 largest catholic churches in Africa in terms of population:

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – 18,000
St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Kumasi, Ghana – 12,000
Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Nigeria – 9,000
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bangui, Central African Republic – 8,000
Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Soweto, South Africa – 7,000
Cathedral of Notre Dame, Kinshasa, DR Congo – 5,000
Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Lusaka, Zambia – 5,000
Rubaga Cathedral, Kampala, Uganda – 5,000
Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi, Kenya – 4,000
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kenya – 2,000

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – 18,000

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is the largest Catholic church in Africa. Built between 1985 and 1989, it was commissioned by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country’s first president.

Inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, it has a seating capacity of 18,000 and space for an additional 11,000 standing worshippers.

The basilica features a record-breaking 158-meter (518-foot) dome, the tallest in the world. Its colonnade is wider than St. Peter’s, and the forecourt can hold tens of thousands of visitors.

The basilica was built using imported Italian marble and French stained glass, with around 4,500 workers, including 1,500 Africans, involved in its construction.

2. St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Kumasi, Ghana – 12,000

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica in Kumasi, Ghana, is one of the largest Catholic churches in Africa, with a seating capacity of 12,000. It serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Kumasi and was officially consecrated on June 2, 2004.

Dedicated to Saint Peter, this grand cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture, combining modern and traditional styles.

Inside, its soaring arches and colorful stained glass windows create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for worship. The cathedral hosts events like Masses, weddings, and celebrations throughout the year.

3. Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Nigeria – 9,000

Holy Cross Cathedral is one of the largest Catholic churches in Nigeria, and Africa, with a seating capacity of 9,000. Located in Lagos, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Lagos. The cathedral was originally built in 1881 as a pro-cathedral, designed by Lazarus Borges da Silva and Francisco Nobre.

However, as the Catholic community grew, a larger church was needed. The current cathedral was constructed in 1939, with its foundation stone laid in 1934 by Bishop Francis O’Rourke.

Built in the Gothic architectural style, Holy Cross Cathedral features beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and a stunning ceiling.

It was officially elevated to cathedral status in 1950 when the Apostolic Vicariate of Lagos became a metropolitan archdiocese, a change approved by Pope Pius XII.

Today, the cathedral remains a major center for religious activities, hosting Masses, weddings, and community events. It is also involved in social outreach programs, supporting and engaging the local community.

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bangui, Central African Republic – 8,000

Notre-Dame Cathedral, officially called the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception, is a major Catholic church in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.

With a seating capacity of 8,000, it is one of the largest churches in Africa. Completed in 1930, the cathedral was designed by French architect Roger Erell in a French colonial style using red brick.

It features two tall towers and a white statue of the Virgin Mary above its entrance. You’ll see big stained glass windows inside that fill the space with colorful light.

However, the cathedral has seen many historical events, including civil unrest. In 2013, thousands of people sought refuge inside its walls during violent conflicts. In 1996, peace talks were held there, and in 1999, Pope John Paul II visited to promote peace.

5. Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Soweto, South Africa – 7,000

Regina Mundi Catholic Church, located in Soweto, South Africa, is the largest Catholic church in the country, with a capacity of 7,000 people.

Opened on July 24, 1962, and designed by architect Anthony Slaven, the church’s name, “Regina Mundi,” means “Queen of the World,” referring to the Virgin Mary.

Its A-frame structure may seem simple from the outside, but inside, it features beautiful stained glass windows and the famous “Black Madonna and Child of Soweto” painting by Lawrence Scully.

During apartheid, Regina Mundi became a refuge for anti-apartheid activists. It was also notable during the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976, when students fled there for safety.

However, police stormed the church and fired inside, leaving bullet holes that remain visible today. After apartheid, it hosted Truth and Reconciliation Commission meetings led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to help heal the nation.

Since then, Regina Mundi has been an active church with religious services, community events, and outreach programs.

6. Cathedral of Notre Dame, Kinshasa, DR Congo – 5,000

The Cathedral of Notre Dame, also called Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Congo, is one of the largest Catholic churches in Africa.

It is located in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and can seat 5,000 people. Built during the Belgian colonial period, its construction began in 1946 and finished in 1948.

The cathedral features a modern architectural style with a brick façade and a large, open interior that allows natural light to fill the space.

However, the cathedral is led by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu. Aside from its religious part, the cathedral is a cultural and social center. It attracts tourists and locals and offers support programs for those affected by poverty and conflict.

7. Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Lusaka, Zambia – 5,000

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is located in Lusaka, Zambia, and is the mother church of the Diocese of Lusaka. It was built in 1962 and can seat up to 5,000 people.

This Anglican cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.

Its striking façade is made of brick and stained glass, while the interior is spacious with colorful light streaming through the tinted windows.

The cathedral is also a hub for community activities, with daily Masses, special religious ceremonies, and different outreach programs.

Then again, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross holds historical importance in Zambia’s path to independence. It has been a space for dialogue and unity during times of political tension.

8. Rubaga Cathedral, Kampala, Uganda – 5,000

Rubaga Cathedral, officially Saint Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, is a major Catholic church located on Lubaga Hill in Kampala, Uganda.

It is the oldest Catholic diocese in Uganda. The cathedral can seat up to 5,000 people, making it one of the largest churches in Africa by capacity.

However, the cathedral’s history began in 1889 when Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda gave the land to French Catholic missionaries known as the White Fathers.

Construction started in 1914 and was completed in 1925. It was consecrated on December 31 of that year. The design of the cathedral features twin towers and a blend of modern and traditional architectural styles.

Rubaga Cathedral is also historically significant as it houses the remains of Archbishop Joseph Kiwanka, the first African Catholic Bishop and Archbishop of Kampala.

It is also known for its stunning stained glass windows, which depict the Uganda Martyrs, who were killed for their faith in the 19th century.

9. Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi, Kenya – 4,000

Holy Family Basilica, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family can hold up to 4,000 people, making it one of the biggest catholic churches in Kenya, and Africa.

The church began in 1904 as a small stone building for Catholic railway workers, seating only 300–400 people. As Nairobi grew, so did the Catholic community.

This led to the construction of the current basilica between 1960 and 1963, designed by architect Dorothy Hughes. However, the church was officially opened on July 6, 1963, and became a basilica in 1982.

The basilica features a modern design with abstract stained glass windows in stainless steel frames and stands 98 feet tall.

It has eight chapels and a spacious nave with Carrara marble details. Archbishop Philip Anyolo leads the archdiocese, which serves about 1.6 million Catholics out of a 4-million-strong community.

10. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kenya – 2,000

Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in Kericho, Kenya, with a seat of 2,000 people. The construction of the cathedral started and finished in 2015, and its design combines modern architecture with the beauty of the Kenyan Highlands.

However, the design was created by John McAslan + Partners. The cathedral’s roof is inclined, giving it a unique look and helping with natural ventilation inside. Also, the open-nave design encourages interaction among worshippers.