Tomasz Zielenkiewicz
The ACI Africa portal quotes Archbishop Samuel Kleda, Metropolitan of Douala, who emphasized that a huge turnout is expected. “The Japoma stadium parking lot can easily accommodate one million, one and a half million, or even two million people,” he said.
Demanding Liturgy Preparation
The Holy Mass will be the central point of the Pope’s pilgrimage. The Archbishop said during a press conference that preparing the liturgy is a demanding task, as it must meet specific standards to ensure all participants can actively pray and follow the ceremony. “This is not a football match. There are specific rules that must be followed so that the faithful can participate as fully as possible in the Eucharistic celebration,” he said.
He added that no tickets would be required. The faithful from individual parishes are invited to line the Pope’s route to the stadium.
Detailed Program of the Visit to Cameroon
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Cameroon on April 15. After the welcoming ceremony at the airport, he will meet with the country’s president and deliver a speech to authorities, civil society leaders, and diplomats.
On Friday, April 17, the Pope will preside over Holy Mass at Japoma Stadium. A private visit to St. Paul’s Catholic Hospital is also scheduled for that day. In the evening, after returning to the capital, he will meet with students and lecturers on the campus of the Catholic University of Central Africa. The next morning, he will celebrate the third Mass of his visit at the city airport, and at noon, he will continue his journey to Angola.
Message of Peace and Hope
Archbishop Kleda emphasized the spiritual significance of the visit. “The Pope comes primarily to proclaim the Good News,” he noted, adding that for today’s Cameroon, this message is one of peace. “We all need peace in Cameroon, and even in the entire region,” the archbishop said, calling on citizens to become “makers of peace” in the face of ongoing tensions and crises.
Social Challenges of Cameroon
The Archbishop drew attention to social challenges in Cameroon, including unemployment, poverty, and the prolonged detention of prisoners without trial. “Many people are still in prison, some of whom have never faced trial,” he said, calling for renewed commitment to justice.
He called for the papal visit to become an inspiration for concrete actions to transform society and restore dignity. He also expressed concern about corruption, describing it as a major obstacle to development.
Words of Encouragement for Youth
Referring to the situation of young people, the archbishop expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV would address words of encouragement to them, especially since many young people have difficulty finding work and must emigrate. “We must hope that the situation will change and that young Cameroonians will be able to realize their dreams in their homeland,” he said.
Spiritual Preparations
The Archbishop emphasized the importance of prayer. Spiritual preparations for the Pope’s pilgrimage have been organized in Cameroon, with prayer meetings and vigils held so that Leo XIV’s visit may bring lasting fruits. “We must welcome the Holy Father, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the Good News he brings,” he said.
(The author is an employee of Polskie Radio S.A. in liquidation)
