Church in Mauritania is in a unique position: there are no Mauritanian Christians, and the entire Catholic community is made up of foreigners and expats. In this context, the Church’s presence is very limited, with only two incardinated priests and one bishop, but its mission remains clear: to bear witness to the love of God for everybody, Christians and Muslims alike.
During a visit to the international headquarters of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Fr. Edmond Théodore—originally from Senegal and one of the two incardinated priests serving the country’s single diocese—explained that interreligious dialogue occurs in daily life rather than through formal functions:
“The Church welcomes the migrants as well as the Mauritanians, but at the same time it lets itself be welcomed by the local population.”
Fr. Théodore notes that Christian values are well received and that believers enjoy the freedom to practice their religion without persecution. In his experience, local Muslims demonstrate deep respect for people who hold genuine religious and human values:
“Despite our differences and how we believe in the one God, we manage to coexist”.
Pastoral mission and desert spirituality of the Church in Mauritania
Originally visiting Mauritania for a short work experience, Fr. Théodore was deeply moved by the local mission, observing that God performs extraordinary things with very little, which inspired him to request a permanent transfer.
The desert holds a central place in his spiritual life as a place of dispossession, solidarity, and encounter. He highlights how locals routinely stop to assist broken-down vehicles along the road, demonstrating how a demanding environment helps people acknowledge their limitations and trust in God:
“The desert is a place of encounter”.
“We do not pray with each other; we pray for each other”.
This attitude of intercession aligns with the widespread local reliance on Inshallah («God willing»), reflecting an enduring confidence that tomorrow will be better under God’s care.
Since Islam is the official state religion, the Church is legally prohibited from proselytizing or baptizing Mauritanian citizens. However, the clergy remains convinced of God’s active presence in every heart:
“Our work consists in bearing witness to the love of Christ”.
Serving all people regardless of nationality or religion, the Church evaluates its presence not by efficiency or baptism figures, but by bearing faithful fruit for the Kingdom of God.
