Pope Leo XIV urged Cameroonians to reject violence and embrace peace during a massive open air Mass attended by about 120,000 people in Douala, one of the largest gatherings of his ongoing African tour.
The Mass, held at Japoma Stadium, drew crowds from across Cameroon, with many attendees arriving a day early and sleeping overnight to secure a place at the event. Heavy security was deployed as the pontiff addressed the crowd, delivering a message centred on unity, reconciliation and moral responsibility in a country grappling with prolonged conflict and political tensions.
In his remarks, the pope called on citizens to turn away from violence and corruption, urging them instead to build a society grounded in solidarity, justice and compassion. His message comes at a time when Cameroon continues to face multiple security challenges, including a long running separatist conflict in its English speaking regions and ongoing instability in other parts of the country.
The pontiff also directed a strong appeal to young people, encouraging them to resist the lure of corruption and to play an active role in shaping a more peaceful and equitable society. He stressed that investing in education, work and community values is essential to preventing violence and fostering long term stability.
Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, creating a humanitarian situation that continues to weigh heavily on the country. The pope’s visit, including his Mass in Douala, has been widely seen as an effort to revive hopes for dialogue and reconciliation.
During his broader visit, Pope Leo has also criticised global inequality and the role of powerful actors in fueling conflict, linking local struggles in Africa to wider global dynamics. He warned that peace cannot be sustained without addressing injustice, corruption and economic disparity.
The Cameroon stop forms part of a multi nation African tour that has drawn significant attention for its strong messaging on peace, governance and social justice. Analysts say the scale of turnout at the Mass reflects both the deep religious devotion of the population and the widespread desire for stability in a country facing complex internal challenges.
While the pope’s message has been welcomed by many as a moral call to action, observers note that translating such appeals into lasting political solutions will require sustained commitment from both national leaders and local communities.
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