Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful gathered in Douala on Friday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated a large open-air mass, marking one of the biggest events of his ongoing African tour.
The mass, held at the Japoma Stadium, drew worshippers from across Cameroon, many of whom arrived hours — and in some cases, a day — in advance to secure a vantage position.
For 72-year-old Marguerite Tedga, the experience was deeply personal. Having waited overnight with fellow parishioners, she described seeing the pope in person as “the achievement of a Christian lifetime.”
The visit is part of the pontiff’s broader African tour, during which he has repeatedly called for peace while addressing political and social tensions across the continent.
His remarks have also drawn attention internationally, particularly following a public exchange with Donald Trump over global conflict issues.
Speaking earlier in Bamenda, the pope condemned violence and authoritarianism, warning that “the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”
His comments come against the backdrop of ongoing unrest in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where a separatist insurgency has claimed thousands of lives.
Despite the political undertones, the atmosphere in Douala remained celebratory, with singing and dancing crowds استقبال the pontiff.
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The 50,000-capacity stadium was expected to be filled to capacity for the service, scheduled for late morning.
Among attendees was Marcianus Nzegge, who travelled several hours from a conflict-affected area. He said the pope’s message of peace resonated strongly with those living amid instability.
However, the visit has also sparked debate within Cameroon. Critics expressed concern that the presence of the pope could indirectly bolster the image of long-serving President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and faces ongoing criticism over governance and human rights issues.
Without naming specific leaders, the pope used several stops on his tour to denounce corruption, exploitation, and the misuse of religion for political or economic gain.
He also called for respect for human rights, even in the pursuit of national security.
The Catholic Church remains a major social institution in Cameroon, where more than a third of the population identifies as Catholic.
Religious leaders, including Samuel Kleda, have expressed hope that the visit will inspire renewed commitment to peace and national unity.
Following his engagements in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue his tour with visits to other African countries, including Angola and Equatorial Guinea.