by Senator Amadou Thiam
With a population that is over 90% Muslim and around 5% Christian—primarily Roman Catholic—the country of Senegal, since its independence in 1960, has nurtured a remarkable culture of interfaith dialogue and social cohesion. Muslims and Christians live side by side in Senegalese society, celebrating each other’s holidays, intermarrying, and collaborating across all spheres of life.
A symbolic cornerstone of this peaceful coexistence lies in the legacy of Senegal’s first post-independence president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, a devout Catholic. Senghor led the nation from 1960 until his voluntary resignation in 1980, becoming not only a founding father of the Senegalese Republic but also a global intellectual and cultural icon. A member of the prestigious French Academy, a renowned poet, and philosopher Senghor used his influence to promote national unity and inter-religious respect.
Senegal: A model of interfaith harmony between Muslims and Christians. One of the most striking features of Senegalese society is the mutual celebration of religious festivals.
Senghor’s personal friendships with leading Muslim clerics and his inclusive governance helped forge a national identity where religion served as a unifying rather than divisive force.
One of the most striking features of Senegalese society is the mutual celebration of religious festivals. It is common to see Muslim families joining their Christian neighbors during Christmas or Easter, just as Christians joyfully participate in Eid al-Fitr and Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) celebrations.
This reciprocal tradition reflects a deeply ingrained culture of teranga, the Senegalese concept of hospitality, openness, and community.
Religious leaders from both faiths maintain constant dialogue, often collaborating on social, political, and humanitarian matters.
The Catholic Church and Muslim tariqas (Sufi brotherhoods), such as the Tijaniyya and Mourides, are closely intertwined through decades of goodwill and joint service to the people.
It is not unusual to see Muslims attending church ceremonies and Christians respectfully observing Muslim events.
Over the years, Senegalese heads of state have consistently appointed distinguished Catholic diplomats to represent the nation at the Vatican. These ambassadors have brilliantly embodied Senegal’s national aspirations for unity and peaceful coexistence.
I fondly remember Ambassador André Coulbary, Ambassador Henri Turpin, who graciously arranged a personal audience for me with Pope John Paul II, and more recently my close friend H.E Dr. Pascal Martin Tine.
Today, Senegal’s newly appointed ambassador to the Holy See, the Honorable Isidor Marcel Sène, is preparing to present his credentials to Pope Leo XIV. I extend my best wishes to him as he carries forward the proud tradition of strong and respectful relations between the Vatican, the Senegalese government, and the country’s Muslim leaders.
The Vatican has long recognized Senegal’s exceptional religious harmony. Several popes have visited the country, most notably Pope John Paul II, whose 1992 visit was met with jubilation from both Christian and Muslim communities.
Today, the ascension of Pope Leo XIV, whose name uncannily echoes that of President Léopold Senghor, feels almost providential to many Senegalese—a spiritual reminder of Senghor’s legacy of unity.
Senegal continues to demonstrate how respect for religious diversity can serve as a foundation for national peace.
At a time when global tensions threaten to polarize communities, Senegal’s model offers valuable lessons. Through shared values, open dialogue, and deep-rooted mutual respect, the people of Senegal have shown that it is possible to live not only side by side—but heart to heart.
At a time when global tensions threaten to polarize communities, Senegal’s model offers valuable lessons. Through shared values, open dialogue, and deep-rooted mutual respect, the people of Senegal have shown that it is possible to live not only side by side—but heart to heart.
