Bamenda witnessed a moment of profound spiritual significance on Thursday, April 16, 2026, as Pope Leo XIV visited St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral during his Apostolic Journey to Cameroon, bringing a strong message of peace, unity, and reconciliation to a region deeply affected by crisis.
Addressing the faithful, the Holy Father described Bamenda as “the city on the hill,” calling on the population to remain steadfast on the path of goodness despite years of suffering. He emphasized that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a commitment to accepting one another as brothers and sisters.
In his welcome address, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bamenda Mgr. Andrew Nkea Fuanya highlighted the hardships endured over the past eight years, including loss of lives, displacement, disruption of education, and attacks on clergy. Despite these challenges, he noted that the Church has continued to serve as a source of hope for the people.
The visit was marked by emotional testimonies from victims of the socio-political crisis, including traditional leaders, religious representatives, and internally displaced persons, who recounted experiences of violence, loss, and survival. Responding to these accounts, the Pope reassured them of his solidarity and reiterated his call for an end to violence, urging all to embrace dialogue and forgiveness.
He also strongly condemned the exploitation of natural resources and the cycle of violence it fuels, calling for a moral and spiritual change of direction toward justice and human fraternity. The symbolic release of white doves at the cathedral further underscored the message of peace, leaving many in the crowd with renewed hope for healing and reconciliation.
During the Mass at the Bamenda Airport, the Pope encouraged young people to remain hopeful and committed to building a better future, while calling on leaders to prioritize the common good and pursue dialogue as the only path to lasting peace.
The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda has been widely seen as a significant moment of comfort and encouragement, reinforcing the call for unity and a collective commitment to peace in the region.
Aboubakar Alima Mathansa
DD MINCOM Mezam
