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Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cameroon has been marked by impassioned calls for peace and social justice, with the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics set to deliver a landmark mass on Friday in Douala, the country’s economic capital.
With over a million attendees expected at the 50,000-seat Japoma Stadium, the event is poised to be the highlight of his visit, a culmination of his 11-day African tour.
The pope’s visit comes amid political tension, particularly following protests against the disputed re-election of President Paul Biya in October. These protests, primarily in Douala, were met with a bloody crackdown by security forces. Reports of live rounds being fired into the crowds resulted in numerous casualties, though authorities have only acknowledged dozens of deaths.
While the pope has avoided directly mentioning Biya or President Donald Trump by name, his speeches have been sharply critical of those in power.
In a powerful address at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Leo condemned “a handful of tyrants” who ravage the world, a thinly veiled reference to both Biya and Trump. The pope also denounced the exploitation of Africa’s resources, calling out “those who, in the name of profit, continue to lay their hands on the African continent to exploit and plunder it.”
During his visit to Yaoundé, Leo urged Cameroon’s leaders to tackle corruption and human rights abuses, stressing that security must always be exercised with respect for human dignity.
His message resonated with the Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, who hopes the pope’s visit will spark efforts toward peace.
“Our country has gone through many crises; the fruit we must draw from this visit is to commit ourselves as architects of peace,” Kleda said.
The pope’s tour has gained widespread admiration from the people of Cameroon, who have welcomed him with joyous celebrations.
