The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, has called on Cameroonians to embrace peace, reconciliation, and genuine conversion, echoing the message delivered by Pope Leo XIV during his recent Apostolic Journey to Cameroon.
The Nuncio made the call on Thursday, June 4, 2026, while presiding over a Thanksgiving Mass at the Mary Queen of Apostles Minor Basilica in Mvolyé, Yaoundé. The celebration formed part of activities surrounding the 51st Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Bishops of Cameroon and provided an opportunity for the Church in Cameroon to give thanks for the graces received during the Holy Father’s historic visit.
Cross section of Bishops during thanksgiving Mass
In his homily, Archbishop Bettencourt recalled Pope Leo XIV’s concern for the challenges facing Cameroon, including violence, corruption, poverty, and the circumstances that continue to force many people to leave their homes and communities in search of safety and better opportunities.
Quoting the Holy Father, the Nuncio reminded the faithful that “this is the moment to change—not tomorrow, but today; not in the future, but now.” He stressed that lasting peace and reconciliation can only be achieved when individuals and communities commit themselves to justice, forgiveness, and respect for human dignity.
Christians during thanksgiving Mass
“Peace and reconciliation must reign in our hearts, families, communities, and nation,” he said, emphasizing that true freedom comes from God alone.
At the beginning of his homily, Archbishop Bettencourt congratulated His Lordship Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep on his retirement as Bishop of Edéa, praising him for his years of faithful and dedicated service in the Lord’s vineyard. He also acknowledged the appointment of an Apostolic Administrator to oversee the Diocese of Edéa following the Bishop’s retirement.
Inside night view of Mary Queen of Apostles Minor Basilica, Mvolyé, Yaoundé.
Reflecting on the Gospel, the Apostolic Nuncio noted that throughout His public ministry, Jesus was approached by many people with different questions and concerns. Yet, Christ consistently pointed His listeners to the heart of the Christian life: love.
Citing Matthew 22:37, he reminded the faithful of Jesus’ words: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Christians
The Nuncio explained that love of God and love of neighbour remain the greatest demands placed upon every Christian and the foundation upon which authentic discipleship is built.
He further recalled that Jesus Himself declared that He came not for the righteous but for sinners, emphasizing God’s infinite mercy and desire to draw all people closer to Him.
Cross section of Bishops during thanksgiving Mass
Archbishop Bettencourt also invited the faithful to remember the powerful moments of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Cameroon, particularly his encounters with orphans, the sick, and the vulnerable. These encounters, he said, reflected Christ’s own closeness to those most in need of compassion, healing, and hope.
The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by members of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the country who gathered to thank God for the blessings received through the Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon.
