Thousands of people gathered in celebration to welcome Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon on Wednesday, as he began a three-day visit that will include a trip to a region affected by a long-running separatist conflict, where he is expected to deliver a message of peace.
The pope arrived in the capital, Yaoundé, shortly before 3:00 pm local time after departing Algeria, where his visit had been overshadowed by two suicide attacks and tensions involving Donald Trump. Crowds filled the streets outside the airport, singing, dancing, and waving banners to welcome the US-born pontiff. Many expressed hope that his presence would help bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
During his stay, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. The meeting has sparked mixed reactions among Catholics in the country, with some clergy concerned it could bolster the president’s image following unrest linked to his contested re-election for an eighth term.
In Cameroon, where more than a third of the population is Catholic, the Church plays a significant role in mediation efforts and operates an extensive network of schools, hospitals, and charitable organisations. The visit marks the fourth papal trip to the country and the first since Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2009. As part of his itinerary, the 70-year-old pontiff will visit a Catholic orphanage and hold a private meeting with Cameroonian bishops.
