DOUALA, Cameroon – Massive crowds assembled early Friday morning in Cameroon’s economic center of Douala for what’s anticipated to be the most significant gathering during Pope Leo’s extensive African journey.
Vatican officials project approximately 600,000 attendees will pack the areas surrounding Japoma Stadium to participate in the religious service and listen to the pope’s remarks. Leo has gained attention for his bold statements regarding global conflicts and social disparities, drawing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Under tight security measures, Cameroonian faithful started entering the stadium Thursday evening, spending the night there to secure their opportunity to hear Leo’s sermon firsthand.
During Thursday’s events, the first American pontiff delivered sharp criticism of political leaders who allocate billions toward warfare. In particularly strong language while in Cameroon, he declared the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”
The pope’s schedule called for arrival in Douala at approximately 9:55 a.m. local time following a one-hour helicopter journey from the nation’s capital, Yaounde. His four-hour stay in the city includes a stop at a Catholic medical facility before returning to Yaounde.
Throughout his 10-day African journey, Leo has condemned international law violations by “neocolonial” global powers and stated that “the whims of the rich and powerful” pose threats to worldwide peace.
The oil and cocoa-producing nation confronts serious security issues, including an ongoing English-speaking regional conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since 2017.
Enthusiastic crowds have welcomed the pontiff during his stay, gathering along his travel routes and displaying vibrant textiles bearing his image.
Bishop Léopold Bayemi Matjei described Leo’s presence as “a moment of great joy” and expressed hope that it would bring divine favor to Cameroon.
“Our country needs a lot of blessing, a powerful blessing, so that hope will come to rise again,” stated the bishop, who oversees the Church in Obala, located roughly one hour north of Yaounde.
