The highest authority of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, marking the second stop of his Apostolic Journey to Africa.
Upon landing at the Nsimalen International Airport, the Pontiff was received by Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute on behalf of the President. The arrival set off a series of high-profile engagements, beginning with a formal reception at the Unity Palace by President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya, where the Pope met with civil society leaders and the diplomatic corps.
During his address at the Unity Palace, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful mandate for peace and justice, emphasizing that peace must be a lived reality rather than a mere slogan.
He made a fervent appeal to end the cycles of violence, death, and exile that have plagued various regions, urging leaders to prioritize the common good over partisan interests. His message resonated as a call for institutional and personal transformation to quench the world’s “thirst for peace.”
Following the diplomatic meetings, the Papal convoy traveled through the cheering streets of Yaoundé to the Ngul-Zamba orphanage. In a touching display of pastoral care, the Pope met with orphans and their caregivers, offering words of profound comfort.
He reminded the children that in God’s family, no one is forgotten, encouraging them to look toward a future that transcends their past wounds and suffering.
The evening concluded with a private session between the Holy Father and the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon – NECC). Meeting with the nation’s Archbishops and Bishops, the Pope discussed the spiritual and social challenges facing the local church before retiring to the Apostolic Nunciature. This private gathering reinforced the bond between the Vatican and the Cameroonian clergy during this historic visit.
On the morning of Thursday, April 16, the Pope traveled via Camair-Co to the North West Region to celebrate Mass with a population that has endured over a decade of social unrest.
This visit to the conflict-affected region serves as a significant gesture of solidarity and reconciliation. By bringing his message directly to the heart of the unrest, Pope Leo XIV has ignited a renewed sense of hope for a peaceful and unified future for all Cameroonians.
