Pope Leo XIV’s has made a strong case lasting peace in Cameroon, as he embarks on an apostolic visit holding from April 15-18, 2026.
The Pope made the declaration while speaking at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, shortly after arriving the country.
Religious and political party leaders, the diplomatic corps, administrative authorities, civil society representatives and other personalities massively turned out for he first contact-session with the Holy Father.
« The world thirsts for peace. Enough of wars, with their painful toll of death, destruction and exile.This cry is meant as a call to commit to authentic peace, placing it above all partisan interests, » Pope Leo said.
The Pope empathized that peace will be an antidote to violence if it « takes shape in a personal and institutional way of life, rather than being reduced to a slogan. »
His speech came after that of President Biya, concurred with the Pope’s yearning for a peaceful Cameroon, and addressed global issues affecting countries beyond the Cameroon’s borders.
» Your visit comes at a time when countries are experiencing growing economic difficulties,increased misery, and worry tearing hearts apart. The message of peace and comfort which you bear, resonates with a particular feeling in our hearts. This message awakens a feeling of humanity in us……… it’s a feeling of hope, » President Biya said.
The Head of State added that Cameroon, like other countries is looking forward to a world where « the voice peace will replace the voice of arms, a world where immense resources consecrated to weapons will be used to promote wellbeing of people, » he stated.
A Clarion Call for Peace
The Holy Father’s visit marks a significant moment for the country which has been actively pursuing lasting peace despite looming sociopolitical hindrances.
Pope Leo’s call for peace and social justice ties with the desires of most Cameroonians who say they expect his visit will crown peace-building efforts undertaken by the government with success.
Most of them consisting of Christians, students from Catholic institutions, ordinary Cameroonians, and even Muslims, turned out in their numbers on April 15 to welcome the Pope who is on an Apostolic visit to the country.
Major streets and junctions in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde were crowded with people, clad in various outfits representing church groups, or patriotic groups, and all having one goal, welcome the Pope.
Children, Men and women from all walks of life chanted songs composed in honor of Pope Leo, contemporary songs, and danced to familiar religious choruses as they awaited his arrival.
Among them was Crescentia Dingah,
Public Relations Officer of the Yaoundé Metropolitan Diocese. She expressed the desire to see the Pope’s visit significantly contribute to bringing lasting peace in the country, especially in the English speaking regions of the country.
» We have crisis in most areas. Spiritually people are very worried. We have inflation, and joblessness most especially. We are hoping that the Pope’s arrival will bring sustainable peace and we will move ahead, » she said.
As the calls for sustainable peace continue to resonate across the country, the Pope will visit Bamenda and Douala where Cameroonians hope he will continue advocating for peace.
Kathy Neba Sina
