Vatican City, October 28, 2025 – In St. Peter’s Basilica, His Grace Archbishop Andrew Nkea, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), called upon pilgrims from the Dioceses of Cameroon to serve as ambassadors of prayer. He emphasized the importance of sincerity in their prayers to Saint Jude, the patron saint of hopeless cases, during a time when Cameroon is grappling with violence following recent presidential elections.
Archbishop Nkea urged the faithful to pray fervently for peace in a nation that is currently tense and desperate. He asserted that violence will not resolve any issues, but prayer has the power to transform circumstances. “Only God knows what He is doing,” he remarked.
Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nkea
During the Eucharistic celebration, which coincided with the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, the Archbishop encouraged pilgrims to reflect on God’s choice as the head of the Church. He stated, “In our current situation, we need St. Jude. St. Jude will assist our country through prayer.”
Following the Mass, pilgrims had the opportunity to pray at St. Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. This largest Marian church in Rome is regarded as the first Marian sanctuary in the Western world and the mother of all sanctuaries. Pilgrims also paid their respects at the tomb of Pope Francis.
