Pope Leo XIV gathers 600,000 in Douala, visits the sick, and urges youth to lead a new humanism during his apostolic journey in Cameroon.
Newsroom (18/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) On the fifth day of his apostolic journey in Africa, Pope Leo XIV transformed Cameroon into a focal point of global Catholic attention, drawing vast crowds, visiting the vulnerable, and challenging the next generation to shape a more human-centered future.
A Sea of Faith in Douala
In Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and economic hub, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass before an estimated 600,000 faithful at Japoma Stadium. From the early hours of the morning, pilgrims streamed in from across the country, many spending the night nearby to secure a place at the historic liturgy.
The celebration reflected the nation’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Scripture readings alternated between English and French, mirroring the dual heritage of the country and reinforcing the universality of the Church.
Drawing from the Gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, the Pope addressed the persistent reality of hunger in Cameroon. He noted the painful contradiction of a land abundant in natural resources where “many suffer poverty, both material and spiritual,” placing the issue within both a social and moral framework.
Joyful Worship and Living Faith
The Mass was marked by an atmosphere of vibrant devotion. A choir’s performance of the Gloria—accompanied by song and dance—captured the deep spiritual energy of the Cameroonian faithful. The celebration became not only a liturgical event but a cultural expression of faith, resonating far beyond the continent.
A Quiet Visit of Compassion
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to Saint Paul Catholic Hospital, a leading medical institution founded in 1971 to serve vulnerable populations in Douala’s Bassa neighborhood.
In keeping with the personal nature of the visit, no media were present. After a moment of prayer in the hospital chapel, the Pope greeted staff and patients in the courtyard, expressing hope that his presence would bring consolation. He offered his blessing to all present and their families before visiting patients individually, with particular attention to children and the elderly.
The visit underscored a recurring theme of his journey: proximity to suffering and the quiet dignity of pastoral care.
A Warning to the Digital Generation
Later in Yaoundé, at the Catholic University of Central Africa, the Pope shifted his focus to the intellectual and ethical challenges facing young people. Addressing students and professors, he urged the cultivation of a “new humanism” in response to the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and what he described as an erosion of reality.
He warned against passive acceptance of dominant technological and cultural trends, cautioning that without critical engagement, “loss of freedom” could be mistaken for progress. Universities, he said, must form “pioneers” capable of defending truth and human dignity in a changing world.
A Moment of Affection
The encounter with students carried an emotional note when one young participant addressed the Pope directly: “Holy Father, we young students love you with all our hearts.” The spontaneous declaration drew a visible, moved response, highlighting the strong bond between the pontiff and the youth.
Crowds, Security, and Spontaneity
As he departed the university, Pope Leo XIV once again demonstrated his pastoral instinct for closeness, pausing to greet the crowd before entering his vehicle. Security personnel worked swiftly—at times visibly—to maintain order as enthusiasm surged around him.
Journey Continues
The Cameroon leg of the apostolic journey will conclude with a Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport. From there, Pope Leo XIV will depart for Luanda, Angola, where he will remain from April 18 to 21, before continuing to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, concluding his African visit on April 23 with a return to Rome.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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