Pope Leo XIV concluded his apostolic visit to Cameroon this Saturday with the celebration of a Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, in which he summarized the main messages of his stay in the African country, marked by calls for faith, unity, and social responsibility.
Before the celebration, the Pontiff toured the airport surroundings in the popemobile, greeting the faithful gathered in a final show of closeness after several days of intense pastoral activity.
“Do not be afraid”: the core of his message
In his homily, Leo XIV centered his reflection on the Gospel passage of Jesus walking on the water, emphasizing that faith does not exempt one from difficulties, but it does offer the certainty of Christ’s presence amid them.
“Jesus does not abandon us,” the Pope affirmed, recalling that even in situations of darkness, fear, or uncertainty, the Christian is called to trust: “He is stronger than any power of evil.”
The Pontiff expanded this message to the social sphere, pointing out that faith cannot be detached from public life. In this sense, he invited people to face together the challenges related to poverty, justice, and social crises, promoting structures of solidarity and mutual aid.
A Church called to respond to challenges
Leo XIV also evoked the early moments of the Church, recalling how the Apostles knew how to face internal difficulties through common discernment and action guided by the Holy Spirit.
From that example, he underscored the need to integrate the spiritual dimension into social and political life, so that institutions serve the common good and not particular interests.
Likewise, he insisted on the importance of not leaving anyone alone in the face of difficulties and of strengthening community cohesion, especially in contexts marked by social and economic fragility.
Gratitude and recognition to the Cameroonian Church
At the end of the celebration, the Pope thanked the welcome received during his stay, both from the authorities and from the faithful.
He particularly highlighted the vitality of the Church in Cameroon, which he described as “alive, young, and rich in gifts,” encouraging Christians to remain firm in the faith and to turn difficulties into opportunities for growth.
Farewell ceremony and departure to Angola
After the Mass, Leo XIV moved to Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport, where the official farewell ceremony took place. He was received by the Cameroonian Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, in an event that included military honors and greetings from the delegations.
Shortly afterward, the Pope departed for Angola aboard an ITA Airways plane, thus beginning a new stage of his apostolic journey through Africa.
Messages of peace and fraternity during the flight
During the journey to Luanda, the Pontiff sent telegrams to several heads of state in the region as he flew over Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo.
In all of them, he reiterated his desire for peace, fraternity, and prosperity for these countries, invoking God’s blessing on their peoples and authorities.
Likewise, in a message addressed to the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, he expressed his gratitude for the welcome received and his hope that the country continue to advance in a climate of peace and wisdom.
With his arrival in Luanda, Leo XIV continues his African itinerary, which will proceed in the coming days with new stages in Angola and Equatorial Guinea.