The diocese of Nyundo was erected on the 14^th of February 1954 as a Vicariate. Five years later, it was raised to the status of  a diocese under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin of the Poor, in reference to Our Lady of Banneux. Its first bishop was Mgr Aloys Bigirumwami consecrated on the 1^st of June 1952.Its territory covers now approximately 4000km² and comprises the following districts: Ngororero, Rutsiro, Rubavu, Karongi and some sectors of the Districts of  Nyabihu and Nyamasheke.