Founded as the Prefecture Apostolic of German Solomon Islands on May 23, 1898, comprising the Islands of Bougainville, Buka, Shortland, and Choiseul, and entrusted to the Marist Fathers. Name changed to the Prefecture Apostolic of Northern Solomon Islands on January 21, 1904. Elevated to the Vicariate Apostolic of Northern Solomon Islands on May 31, 1930. Elevated to the diocese of Bougainville on November 15, 1966. Suffragen of the archdiocese of Rabaul. See also