The Vatican envoy in Cameroon urges faithful to prepare spiritually for Pope Leo XIV’s April visit during Douala’s 70th-anniversary celebrations.
Newsroom (16/03/2026 Gaudium Press )The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, has encouraged the Catholic faithful across the Central African nation to intensify their spiritual preparations ahead of the Apostolic Visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for April 15–18.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Mass marking the 70th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Douala and the jubilee milestones of its Archbishop, Samuel Kleda, Archbishop Bettencourt said he came as the Holy Father’s representative “to knock on the door of your hearts.” His message — delivered in the packed courtyard of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on March 14 — called on believers to pray and spiritually ready themselves for the Pontiff’s forthcoming visit.
“I come to you as his representative,” he said. “Let us pray, let us prepare spiritually for the Holy Father’s coming amongst us.”
Celebrating a Triple Jubilee
The Eucharistic celebration, marked by vibrant hymns and cultural expressions, commemorated three milestones: seven decades since Douala was canonically erected as a diocese, Archbishop Kleda’s 40th anniversary as a priest, and his 25 years as a bishop.
During the liturgy, Archbishop Bettencourt — who also represents the Vatican in Equatorial Guinea — extended warm congratulations to Archbishop Kleda on behalf of the Holy See. “We congratulate you for the diligent and zealous work you have accomplished, as well as for your apostolic care for the flock,” he said, praising the archbishop’s leadership and compassion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he promoted humanitarian and medical initiatives.
Douala’s Pivotal Role in Cameroon’s Faith Story
Reflecting on the roots of Catholicism in Cameroon, the Apostolic Nuncio evoked the consecration of the nation to the Immaculate Conception at Marienberg in 1890 as a turning point for evangelization. Despite early struggles, he said, Douala eventually became “the largest ecclesiastical circumstance in Cameroon,” and a hub for education, healthcare, and social development.
Archbishop Bettencourt paid tribute to the figures who shaped Cameroon’s Catholic heritage, saluting Catechist André Kwa Mbange and the Servant of God Simon Mpeke (Baba Simon) for their pioneering roles in spreading the Gospel and encouraging interreligious dialogue.
A Church of Welcome and Mission
Describing the Church in Cameroon as both “welcoming” and “missionary,” the Vatican envoy recognized the contributions of priests, religious orders, civil authorities, and traditional leaders to the Church’s growth. He also honored Cameroonian priests serving globally, whose pastoral work continues to enrich communities abroad.
“God is love,” he reflected. “Love is communion. Communion is love. The Eucharist is the supreme sign of our communion with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters.”
Bishops Honor Archbishop Kleda’s Leadership
Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), joined in tribute, describing Douala as the “gateway and cradle of Catholic faith in Cameroon.” He applauded Archbishop Kleda’s dedication as a leader within the national bishops’ conference, acknowledging his past service as president and his ongoing commitment to host the 2027 bishops’ seminar.
Archbishop Nkea also praised his brother bishop’s courage during the height of the Anglophone crisis, recalling their joint visit to displaced Cameroonians in Nigeria. He further commended Kleda’s role in constructing Saint-Pierre House, now a permanent venue for episcopal meetings.
Gratitude and Renewal
In his address, Archbishop Kleda expressed deep gratitude to God and to the faithful who have sustained the mission of the Church over seven decades. “Looking at what our Church is today, we recognize with the Virgin Mary that the Lord has done wonders for us,” he said, crediting priests, religious, and lay people for their devotion and perseverance.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Kleda remarked, “Forty years ago, the Lord made me his priest. And for 25 years, he has granted me the pastoral charge without any merit of my own. It is by the grace of God that I am what I am.”
He urged the faithful to see the 70th anniversary as a moment of spiritual renewal. “Let us redouble our zeal in prayer. Let us fight against sin. Let us convert day by day,” he said, calling all to live as people of faith, hope, and charity despite trials and suffering.
Looking Toward the Papal Visit
As the Mass concluded, Archbishop Kleda invited the faithful to look forward with joy to Pope Leo XIV’s arrival. “Let us turn our gaze to the pastoral visit that the Holy Father will hold in April next year,” he said. “May we all find our place there and ask the Lord to prepare our hearts to welcome the spiritual fruits that await us.”
For Cameroon’s Catholics, the coming of Pope Leo XIV represents not only a milestone of faith but also a renewal of unity, hope, and mission in a nation where the Church continues to serve as a steadfast beacon of peace and compassion.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
Related Images:
