More than 120,000 people have joined Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon for an open-air Mass, the biggest crowd so far during his 11-day Africa tour. Arriving in the economic city of Douala, the Pope reiterated his message of peace after visiting the country's Anglophone region hit by a decade-long rebellion. Jubilant crowds welcomed Pope Leo as he arrived at the Japoma Stadium. Standing in his vehicle - known as the Popemobile - the pontiff waved at the droves of people waiting for his entrance.
Some worshippers camped outside the premises on Thursday night in a bid to get a prime spot for the pontiff's address, with many having waited over 24 hours. By Friday, tens of thousands of people of all ages, including several from the priesthood, braved the heat to participate in the occasion. Pope Leo's message focused on spiritual matters, encouraging young people to diversify their talents and support their communities.
He advised, 'Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive,' urging them to resist temptations that waste their energies and hinder societal progress. Attendees reported a strong desire for peace in the conflict-hit nation.
On the fifth day of his Africa tour, Pope Leo also visited the St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala. His trip, which began earlier in Algeria—a historic first for a Pope—will continue in Angola and conclude in Equatorial Guinea.
Some worshippers camped outside the premises on Thursday night in a bid to get a prime spot for the pontiff's address, with many having waited over 24 hours. By Friday, tens of thousands of people of all ages, including several from the priesthood, braved the heat to participate in the occasion. Pope Leo's message focused on spiritual matters, encouraging young people to diversify their talents and support their communities.
He advised, 'Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive,' urging them to resist temptations that waste their energies and hinder societal progress. Attendees reported a strong desire for peace in the conflict-hit nation.
On the fifth day of his Africa tour, Pope Leo also visited the St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala. His trip, which began earlier in Algeria—a historic first for a Pope—will continue in Angola and conclude in Equatorial Guinea.
