It gradually urbanizing the late nineteenth century, increasingly attracting newcomers especially after his erection as the seat of government of the colony in 1897.

It was in Kati (about 15 km from Bamako) that is set to the end of 1897, the first Catholic mission from which catholic priests visited Christians in Bamako: officers, merchants, workers and soldiers mostly.

In 1907 the Catholic mission of Kati acquired land in Bamako and in 1910 built a building that served as a chapel for regular services.

Construction of the cathedral began, however, the February 21, 1925, with the blessing of the first stone by Archbishop Sauvant, in the presence of Marshal Petain.

Bishop Pierre-Louis Leclerc was installed as the first archbishop of Bamako on 21 February 1956.