From 15 to 18 April 2026, Cameroon experienced days that will remain etched in the hearts of its people: a time when Pope Leo walked alongside a people vibrant with faith. It was a true ‘pilgrimage of the heart’ that wound its way through dusty roads and smiles that spoke of the Gospel.
The Embrace of Yaoundé
On 15 April, in the heart of Yaoundé, the excitement was palpable. Sr Alcinete Cardoso speaks of a contagious joy that united officials and ordinary people alike along the streets on the route from the airport to the Palais de l’Unité. Despite the security measures, the sense of communion was overwhelming; everyone was gathered there with open hearts to welcome Pope Leo. The Pope’s message was powerful: “a word of hope, of encouragement and also of prophecy for our times”, says Sr Alcinete.
The echo in the peripheries
But the Pope’s visit extended beyond the capital, reaching even those who were unable to attend. In Djalingo, in the north of the country, Sr Francesca witnessed the amazement of the villagers. One mother, following the events on TV, summed up the meaning of this journey with great simplicity: ‘The Pope has come to bring peace and blessings to our people.’ It is a joy to feel that the Pope has not come just for the powerful, but to be close to the people, to give voice to their concerns and to stand by their side.
The faith of little ones and the final commission
On 18 April, the day of the closing celebration, Cameroon showed its truest colours. Sr Lucia witnessed the dignity of a people on a journey: women who had patiently sewn colourful outfits for the celebration, and young people who had spent the night outdoors so as not to miss the Pope’s visit. Against a backdrop of poverty and social challenges, this faith is not an escape, but the strength to get back up every day.
Sr. Sini, who had travelled from the Archdiocese of Garoua, took part in the closing events, taking to heart the Pope’s final message: ‘Do not be afraid, God is with us’. It was a powerful call to seek peace and unity together, to practise justice and to steer clear of corruption for the good of the country.
This visit, which was also covered and commented on by the Italian media and saw the participation of two Cameroonian Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate – Sr Suzanna Djebba and Sr Carine Nguimeya – on TV2000, remains a great gift. It is now up to every christian to translate those prayers and words into concrete choices in their daily lives.
