Third Day of Pope Leo XIV’s African Mission: A Powerful Message of Hope in Yaoundé
April 15, 2026
Pope Leo XIV continued his historic Apostolic Visit to Africa with a deeply moving third day in Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, where he arrived on Wednesday afternoon to a thunderous welcome from the faithful.
Touching down at Nsimalen International Airport, the Holy Father was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd whose chants, songs, and waving flags transformed the airport into a moment of vibrant celebration. At the foot of the aircraft, he was officially received by the Prime Minister, alongside a distinguished delegation including the Apostolic Nuncio, archbishops, bishops, prelates of ACERAC, and members of the diplomatic corps. With his characteristic smile and calm presence, Pope Leo XIV blessed the faithful, stirring visible emotion and loud cries of joy.
Pope LEO XIV
From the airport, the Pope proceeded to the Presidential Palace, where he delivered a firm and timely message to government authorities, civil society leaders, and diplomats. Speaking against the backdrop of tensions and crises affecting several regions of Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV urged national leaders to reject the paths of violence, corruption, and division.
Pope Leo and president Paul Biya
He called for a renewed commitment to peace—one founded on dialogue, respect for human dignity, human rights, and the common good. His words, filled with both moral clarity and pastoral concern, struck a chord in a nation yearning for stability and reconciliation.
Later in the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV visited the Ngul Zamba Orphanage, where he shared a powerful moment of compassion with vulnerable children. In an atmosphere marked by tenderness and warmth, the Holy Father reminded the children that they are “neither forgotten nor abandoned,” but deeply loved by God and called to a future beyond their pain.
Pope Leo at the Ngul Zamba orphanage.
He also praised the religious sisters, educators, and volunteers serving at the orphanage, describing them as “the living face of divine mercy.” The visit left many in tears, as the Pope’s presence became a visible sign of the Church’s closeness to the suffering.
The day concluded with a private meeting with the bishops of Cameroon, a significant moment of consultation and ecclesial communion. The Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon NECC expressed profound joy at this meeting, noting that it reflects the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, strengthening the bonds of communion, synodality, and shared pastoral mission.
During his flight to Yaounde, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the first two days of his African journey, highlighting the strong spiritual symbolism of the Algerian stage. He recalled the legacy of Saint Augustine and underlined his call for interreligious dialogue, bridge-building among peoples, and peaceful coexistence despite differences.
All eyes now turn to the fourth day of the visit, as Pope Leo XIV is expected to travel to Bamenda, where he will preside over a peace gathering at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral and later celebrate a major Holy Mass at Bamenda Airport.
Bishops of Cameroon welcome the Holy Father
