The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Archdiocese of Bangui and one of the city's most prominent landmarks, visible from the riverside and from Avenue Boganda. Built in a confident mid-20th century style, it is large, solid, and well-maintained. The interior is cooler than the street and the stained glass gives it a genuine dignity.
Pope Francis visited Bangui's cathedral in November 2015, describing the CAR as the "spiritual capital of the world" — a characteristically bold Franciscan gesture toward a country the rest of the world had largely abandoned. The visit attracted enormous crowds. A plaque inside marks the occasion.