Religion

Yaoundé begins preparations for Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit

22, July 2026

Yaoundé begins preparations for Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit 0

The Government of Cameroon has begun preparations for the official visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Communion, the Right Honourable Sarah Mullally, scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 4, 2026.

Preparations gathered momentum on July 20 when the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, chaired a high-level coordination meeting with a British delegation led by the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to review logistical and protocol arrangements for the visit.

The official programme of the Archbishop’s visit is expected to include meetings with state authorities, religious leaders and members of the Anglican community, alongside other activities aimed at strengthening partnerships and fostering mutual understanding.

The preparatory session brought together Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, senior officials of the Ministry of External Relations, the High Commissioner of Cameroon to the United Kingdom, and representatives from several government institutions involved in the organisation of the visit.

Discussions focused on ensuring the smooth conduct of the Archbishop’s stay in Cameroon, including diplomatic protocol, security, logistics and coordination among the various institutions concerned.

The visit by the Right Honourable Sarah Mullally is expected to further deepen the longstanding relations between Cameroon and the Anglican Communion while reinforcing cooperation between Cameroon and the United Kingdom in areas of shared interest. The visit also carries significant religious importance, providing an opportunity for engagement with Anglican faithful and church leaders in Cameroon, while promoting dialogue on peace, reconciliation and social development.

Government authorities expressed their commitment to ensuring the success of the visit, as the visit is widely seen as another step in consolidating Cameroon’s diplomatic engagement with international partners while highlighting the important role of faith-based institutions in promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

Culled from Pan African Visions

Nigeria: Benin Catholic archbishop Akubeze dies at 69

10, July 2026

Nigeria: Benin Catholic archbishop Akubeze dies at 69 0

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has announced the death of its Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze.

Akubeze died on Thursday at the age of 69, according to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, on behalf of the Consultors of the diocese.

The statement described the late archbishop as a humble and committed servant of God who touched many lives through his ministry.

It read, “On behalf of the Consultors of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, we announce, with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection, the passing of our dearly beloved father and Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all.”

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria also confirmed his death in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo.

The secretariat described Akubeze as a “unique shepherd” whose leadership combined spiritual growth with the development of the church and the welfare of its members.

The statement read, “Archbishop Akubeze was a unique shepherd who understood that the true development of the church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.

“Under his care, the Archdiocese of Benin City has witnessed significant developmental strides. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his priests with the conviction that the future of the church depended on well-formed shepherds.”

The Catholic Secretariat also recalled his contributions as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, describing him as a defender of the church’s teachings.

“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls, bringing to light his episcopal motto: ‘Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati’ (That I may bear witness to the Truth),” the statement added.

The secretariat praised his leadership style, noting that he demonstrated humility and service throughout his episcopal ministry.

“His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate shepherd who knew the smell of his flock.

“He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the church is not measured by power but by service,” it stated.

Born in 1956, Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987.

He was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Uromi Diocese on December 14, 2005, and consecrated on February 25, 2006.

Source: The Punch

Diocese of Nkongsamba announces release of Priest, 2 Franciscan Brothers

3, July 2026

Diocese of Nkongsamba announces release of Priest, 2 Franciscan Brothers 0

The Catholic Diocese of Nkongsamba has announced the safe release of a Priest and two members of the Fraternity of Franciscans of Emmanuel (FFE) who were reportedly abducted in the country’s North-West Region.

In the letter that the Diocesan Chancellor, Abbé Luc Roger Dodo issued on Wednesday, July 1, the Diocese gives thanks to God for the release of Fr. John Bosco Bihkong and Brothers Sylvester Sewong and Marie Rodrigue, who were kidnapped during the night of Saturday, June 27.

“Thank you to everyone for your prayers and expressions of support, which have borne fruit,” Fr. Dodo says in the letter quoting the psalmist, “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”

In a Tuesday, June 30 statement, the Vicar General of the Cameroonian Episcopal See announced the kidnapping of the three.

According to Mons. Joseph Tchinda Dountio, Fr. Bihkong had traveled to his native village of Melim, near Ndop in the North-West Region of Cameroon, to celebrate his first Mass on Friday, June 26.

He was accompanied by Br. Sylvester Sewong, Guardian of the FFE convent in Kékem, and Br. Marie Rodrigue Sop, who is preparing for a perpetual profession. The three were abducted the following night.

No details were provided regarding the identity of the kidnappers, their motives, or whether contact had been established with the abductors.

Cameroon’s North-West Region is one of the two English-speaking regions that have experienced years of insecurity linked to the country’s Anglophone crisis.

Clergy, women and men Religious, and other civilians have periodically been targeted in abductions as violence has persisted in the region.

Source: aciAfrica

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Priest, 2 Franciscan Brothers Kidnapped in Ndop

1, July 2026

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Priest, 2 Franciscan Brothers Kidnapped in Ndop 0

The Catholic Diocese of Nkongsamba has appealed for prayers for the safe release of a Priest and two members of the Fraternity of Franciscans of Emmanuel (FFE) who were abducted in the country’s North-West Region.

In a Tuesday, June 30 statement, the Vicar General of the Cameroonian Episcopal See announced that Fr. John Bosco Bihkong, a Priest serving in the Diocese of Nkongsamba, and two FFE members were kidnapped during the night of June 27.

According to Mons. Joseph Tchinda Dountio, Fr. Bihkong had traveled to his native village of Melim, near Ndop in the North-West Region of Cameroon, to celebrate his first Mass on Friday, June 26.

He was accompanied by Br. Sylvester Sewong, Guardian of the FFE convent in Kékem, and Br. Marie Rodrigue Sop, who is preparing for perpetual profession. The three were abducted the following night.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way,” Mons. Dountio said.

He said the Local Ordinary, Bishop Dieudonné Espoir Atangana is appealing for prayers for their safe release.

“Bishop Dieudonné invites the People of God, as well as all people of goodwill, to pray and support the Franciscan Brothers of Emmanuel for the release of these servants of God,” he said.

No details were provided regarding the identity of the kidnappers, their motives, or whether contact had been established with the abductors.

Cameroon’s North-West Region is one of the two English-speaking regions that have experienced years of insecurity linked to the country’s Anglophone crisis.

Clergy, women and men Religious, and other civilians have periodically been targeted in abductions as violence has persisted in the region.

Source: aciAfrica

“Do not be afraid”: Apostolic Nuncio to Diocese of Edea

25, June 2026

“Do not be afraid”: Apostolic Nuncio to Diocese of Edea 0

The representative of the Holy Father in Cameroon has urged the people of God in the Catholic Diocese of Edéa not to be afraid as the local Church enters a period of leadership transition following the retirement of its Bishop.

In his homily during the Welcome Mass of the Apostolic Administrator of Edéa Diocese appointed on June 4, following the retirement of Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt urged the faithful to embrace unity, prayer, and fidelity.

“Do not be afraid, because our Heavenly Father knows us intimately and protects us,” the Nuncio said during the June 21 Eucharistic celebration that was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral of Edéa Diocese.

He acknowledged that moments of transition in the life of the Church can bring concern, but insisted that Christian hope is anchored in God’s providence rather than human circumstances.

The Vatican diplomat reminded the faithful that Christ repeatedly encourages believers not to succumb to fear.

At the same time, he distinguished between fear rooted in anxiety and what he described as “holy fear,” a reverent awareness of God that leads to deeper faith and vigilance.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Evil has no power over us unless we give it to it,” he said.

Archbishop Bettencourt urged the faithful to cultivate trust in God as the strongest defense against fear, temptation, and despair, especially in a world marked by instability and moral challenges.

“The best remedy is a deep trust in God,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Cameroon, since his appointment in August 2023, further emphasized that Christian life is built on two inseparable dimensions: discipleship and mission, noting that all baptized believers are called to be both followers of Christ and witnesses to the Gospel.

“As baptized, you and I are called to be both disciples and apostles. Eternal life begins here and now,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio cautioned against attempts to privatize the faith, insisting that the Gospel must be proclaimed openly and courageously.

“The world tries to convince us that proclaiming the Gospel is not for everyone. But Jesus tells us: What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light,” he said.

The member of the Clergy of Canada’s Ottawa-Cornwall Catholic Archdiocese warned that Christians may face misunderstanding or suffering for living and proclaiming their faith, but encouraged them not to be discouraged.

“If we preach the Gospel, we will suffer, yes, like those who preceded us. But Jesus says: do not be afraid,” he said.

Turning specifically to the Diocese of Edea, the Apostolic Nuncio called for unity among the faithful as they welcome Mons. Paul Nyaga.

“We must be one Church, one diocese, one body of believers,” he said.

Archbishop Bettencourt also paid tribute to Bishop Ntep, who led the Diocese of Edéa for over 20 years, describing his retirement as a normal and prayerful transition in the life of the Church.

“This does not mean that he loves you less. On the contrary, it means he loves you more, because he understood it was time for someone else to take over,” the Nuncio said.

Commending Mons. Nyaga’s experience and service, he called on the faithful to support him with prayer and openness during this period of transition.

“We invite you all to pray with the Holy Father for your new Bishop,” he said.

The Nuncio invited the people of God in the Diocese to deepen their listening to the Word of God and to remain anchored in the Eucharist as the foundation of their unity and mission.

“We begin to listen to the Word of God—not the word of one another, but the Word of God,” he said.

Mons. Nyaga is expected to govern the Diocese of Edéa until a Local Ordinary is appointed.

Source: aciAfrica

The Holy Father cast flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants

11, June 2026

The Holy Father cast flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants 0

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday condemned “indifference” towards migrants during a visit to Spain’s Canary Islands that symbolised the perils of deadly irregular routes to Europe.

The pontiff cast a bouquet of flowers into the sea in tribute to the thousands who have died trying to reach the Atlantic archipelago, on day six of a trip to Spain that has repeatedly highlighted the plight of migrants.

Leo visited the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria island, where he met migrants and those who help them before blessing a cross made from the wood of migrant boats.

“Even today, monsters lurk in these seas: mafias that profit from despair, traffickers who enslave women and children, and those whose indifference allows the poor to be swallowed up by exploitation or forgetfulness,” Leo told a ceremony at the port.

Nearly 1,200 people died or went missing on the route from Africa to the Canary Islands last year, according to the International Organization for Migration, making it one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.

Europe, where governments have toughened their policies in recent years under pressure from the far right, “cannot claim to uphold human dignity while growing accustomed to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic becoming unmarked graves”, added Leo.

Source: France 24

The Holy Father in Spain offers road map to future of hope

8, June 2026

The Holy Father in Spain offers road map to future of hope 0

Pope Leo XIV on his second day in Spain invoked the country’s rich faith traditions and expressions of popular piety as a path, especially for young people, out of the polarized ideological divisions that grip much of global society.

He spoke of the path forward in remarks to those engaged in culture, art, the economy and sports, highlights also the need to form networks built on respect, dialogue, collaboration and selflessness.

Also on Sunday, 1.2 million people were present for his Mass and procession in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, where the pope said Spain’s present and future task is “to ensure that the religiosity which has shaped and defined this country for centuries is not a museum of the past to be visited, but a school of faith from which to draw even today.”

It must be a school, he said, “that teaches us to kneel before God and before our neighbor, because no one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”

He stressed the need to go beyond selfishness and to “be present in the realities and challenges of society, not shying away, but personally committing ourselves to the building of the common good.”

Pope Leo is currently on a seven-day tour of Spain, making stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.

Sunday’s Mass marked the Solemnity of Corpus Christi Mass and was followed by Eucharistic procession, which Leo led, walking over the traditional flower carpets intricately designed and delicately prepared for the occasion.

His visit comes as Spain, previously one of the world’s greatest global evangelizers and home to some of the most famed mystic saints in the world, is experiencing a rapid growth in secularism and as Europe more broadly grapples with geopolitical instability.

Source: Crux

Archbishop Esua says ‘there can be no peace without justice’

8, June 2026

Archbishop Esua says ‘there can be no peace without justice’ 0

 Archbishop Emeritus Cornelius Fontem Esua of Cameroon is a living witness to the Church’s evolution in Africa. He lived through the transition from a Church led by white missionaries to one governed by local clergy.

“The transition was gradual,” he told Crux Now.

“I was the first priest in my tribe and the 17th priest in the English-speaking part of Cameroon. At that time, most priests were missionaries… Soon after, bishops were appointed from among Africans, marking a gradual change from a missionary church to a church that is missionary itself. We were evangelized to evangelize others.”

In a wide-ranging interview on the sidelines of the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Cameroon Bishops’ Conference, held in Yaoundé from May 30 to June 5, 2026, Esua said he has also lived through Cameroon’s checkered history and has a clear understanding of why the Central African country is now at war with itself.

He was the archbishop of Bamenda when the crisis broke out in 2016, and was the victim of kidnapping in 2019.

“The crisis that broke out in 2016 was the climax of a problem that started about 50 years earlier,” he told Cux Now, and then went down memory lane to explain the root causes of the conflict.

He noted that Cameroonians, as a people, now need to work to actualize the call made by Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Cameroon.

“Peace is not decreed; it is welcomed and lived. It is not a matter of words or signatures on a treaty, but of a commitment that is incarnated in a style of life, in a personal and institutional way of being… we need a disarmed peace,” Pope Leo had said during his Cameroon visit.

“The pope has come and gone. As a pastor and leader, he gave us a recipe for justice and reconciliation. Now it is our challenge to listen, understand, and carry out his agenda,” Esua told Crux Now.

Following are excerpts of that conversation…

Crux Now: I just want to start by asking you about your upbringing, your childhood. Did you ever dream that you would become a priest?

Esua: I don’t think I dreamt of becoming a priest, but I was attracted to it when I was a child. I used to go to church and watch what the priest was doing, how he celebrated Mass. I would go back home and imitate, trying to celebrate my own Mass with my friends.

I had always thought that to become a priest, you had to be a white man because, from childhood, I only saw white priests. But then I saw a major seminarian from my parish who had gone to seminary- first in Sasse College and then to Nigeria. When he came back, he wore a white suit and assisted the priest. I came back home and said, “So a black man can also be a priest.”

From that day, I thought I should also become one.

So that was the trigger?

Yes, that was the trigger. After finishing primary school, I told my parents I wanted to become a priest.

Were they receptive to the idea?

Some doubted it, some were okay with it, saying I could do what I wanted. Finally, when I finished Standard Six in 1959, I registered and passed the entrance to Sasse College. I told the priest interviewing me that I wanted to become a priest, and luckily, he was from Sasse. He was interviewing children from Sasse and said I could go to the minor seminary attached to Sasse, which is Holy Family Minor Seminary. It’s up the hill, as we call it. You live there, eat, play, and take extra moral classes but go to Sasse College for lectures and exams.

After I finished, I applied to the bishop to continue my journey to priesthood, and he accepted. So, the journey continued from there.

Just tell us a bit about the journey, the seminary, what were the challenges like?

In Sasse, we were like any other students. We had a separate dormitory where we stayed and played together. When we got to the major seminary, we started subjects relevant to passing our GCE. My teachers at the time were mostly Peace Corps members, as the Peace Corps had just been introduced. I was very good in sciences, math, and physics, but since I wanted to become a priest, some tried to convince me otherwise, especially the American teachers offering scholarships. Many of my friends accepted those scholarships and went to America. I went to Enugu, Nigeria instead, where I did three years of philosophy.

After finishing philosophy, the bishop sent some of us to Rome to continue theology studies. I did my theology in Rome for four years, then came back home and was ordained a priest in December 1971. I had finished in Rome in June but wanted to be ordained at home, so I returned to my village in Mbetta and became the first priest of Mbetta parish.

You were studying in Rome when Pope Paul VI visited Uganda…

Yes, in 1969. We were college students in Rome, and the visit had a big impact on us African seminarians. During a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Basilica, we sang African hymns, played drums, and the next day, newspapers called it “the jungle in the Vatican.”

It was the first time African music and drums were heard in the Basilica, and some couldn’t understand it. That moment was impressive for us. Pope Paul VI told us to be missionaries of ourselves, to ourselves. Since then, the church has become more missionary with more vocations from Africa.

So how was the transition from white to black missionaries in Africa?

The transition was gradual. I was the first priest in my tribe and the 17th priest in the English-speaking part of Cameroon. At that time, most priests were missionaries. The pope’s call meant more vocations and training to take on responsibilities.

Soon after, bishops were appointed from among Africans, marking a gradual change from a missionary church to a church that is missionary itself. We were evangelized to evangelize others.

Let’s fast forward to 2016. You were still Archbishop of Bamenda when the crisis broke out. How can you explain what happened?

The crisis that broke out in 2016 was the climax of a problem that started about 50 years earlier. I went to Sasse in 1960, the year French-speaking Cameroon gained independence. In October that year, there was debate on whether the English-speaking part would join Nigeria or Cameroon. At the time, Southern Cameroon had quasi-independence — it was not under Nigeria and was self-governing.

Talks to join French-speaking Cameroon began. I remember political parties like KNDP and KNC. Different opinions existed, but the plebiscite only presented two options, omitting the option for full independence, which many desired.

That lack of choice was unjust and led to long-term grievances. The French part of Cameroon and the English-speaking part of Cameroon however agreed on a Federal Constitution, which was abrogated through a referendum in 1972.

Do you think the dissolution of the federal system led to today’s crisis?

Absolutely. The federal system was not respected. The French-speaking side and their political leaders disregarded it for no valid reason except by claiming it was costly to run, but good things are often expensive. The problem started with denying people the right to choose their future. The situation has been like a festering wound that eventually exploded.

You were kidnapped in 2019. Can you recall what happened? What did you tell your captors?

Yes, I was kidnapped by boys [a reference to separatist fighters] blocking roads. I told them clearly that their way was wrong. They were fighting for freedom and against abuse, but why make the same people they are fighting to free suffer? I continue to believe that without truth and justice, our problems cannot be solved.

In 2019, there was a major national dialogue, yet the crisis persists. Why do you think it failed?

I felt it was more of a monologue than a dialogue. Most participants were chosen by the government, and many were part of the status quo. What could they decide differently?

The dialogue was supposed to address the highest aspirations of Anglophones, including deciding on a form of government that respects both traditions. Yet, the form of government was excluded from the agenda, and no one answered when I questioned this. Many important issues were left off the table, which is why suffering continues. The organizers need to be realistic and put the right questions on the agenda.

Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Cameroon spoke about peace and justice. Do you think his words have had any impact?

I hesitated about the pope’s visit, fearing it might seem like condoning the situation. But I was happy he came and spoke the truth. The Church believes there can be no peace without truth and justice. Jesus prays for peace—not the peace the world gives, but the peace God gives, based on truth, justice, respect for human rights, and dignity. The pope insisted on this, emphasizing that justice and peace must embrace to achieve genuine peace. Otherwise, it’s just a silent armistice, not real peace.

From your perspective now, do you think the people who should act on the pope’s words are doing so? Are they moving the needle?

That is the question we all ask. The pope has come and gone. As a pastor and leader, he gave us a recipe for justice and reconciliation. Now it is our challenge to listen, understand, and carry out his agenda.

Culled from Crux

Edéa: Pope Leo accepts retirement of Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep

5, June 2026

Edéa: Pope Leo accepts retirement of Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep 0

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the retirement of Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep from the pastoral care of Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Edéa and appointed Mons. Paul Nyaga Nwaha, Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.

The changes were made public by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, June 4 and announced by the President of NECC, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, during the Catholic Bishops’ 51st Plenary Assembly.

Born on 3 April 1951 in Hikoamaen, Cameroon, Bishop Ntep was ordained a Priest on 25 March 1979.

In 22 March 1993, St. John Paul II appointed him the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eséka, which had been erected the same day. He was Consecrated Bishop in July 1993.

After 11 years and three months leading Eséka Diocese, Bishop Ntep was appointed Bishop of Edéa on 15 October 2004 and installed on 4 December 2004.

Mons. Nyaga, who will govern the Diocese Edéa until a Local Ordinary is appointed was born in 1959 and ordained a priest for Cameroon’s Catholic Archdiocese of Douala in 1987.

He studied theology at the Pontifical Urbanian College in Rome and later attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, earning doctorates in both Canon and Civil Law and in Ecclesiology.

Following his Priestly Ordination, he served as Vice-Rector of Saint Paul Minor Seminary in Nylon before undertaking assignments in several Apostolic Nunciatures.

Upon returning to Douala, he served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Rector of St. Jerome Catholic University of Douala, and President of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Ecclesiastical Province of Douala.

Before his appointment as NECC Secretary General, Mons. Nyaga was Parish Priest of Saint Monica of Makèpè.

He also served as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes of Japoma, St. Paul of Nylon, and Saint Louis of Bonabéri. In addition, he taught at the Major Theological Seminary of Douala and served as Episcopal Vicar for the Wouri 8 pastoral zone.

On 2 May 1994, he was named Chaplain of His Holiness (Cappellanus Sanctitatis Suae), a papal honorific that confers the title “Monsignor.”

The Diocese of Edéa covers 10,500 square kilometers and, according to 2023 statistics, has 185,368 Catholics, representing 60.8 percent of the total population.

Part of the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Douala, the Diocese was erected on 22 March 1993.

Source: aci Africa

National Episcopal Conference: Bishops renew call for peace

4, June 2026

National Episcopal Conference: Bishops renew call for peace 0

The President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, has renewed the Catholic Church’s call for peace and dialogue, urging both Church leaders and political authorities to address the root causes of conflict as the country continues to face security, political, and socio-economic challenges.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 51st Plenary Assembly of NECC members, Archbishop Nkea emphasized that peace must remain a national priority, particularly in Cameroon’s conflict-affected North-West, South-West, and Far North regions.

“Peace is a fundamental human right, indispensable for the development of peoples, social cohesion, economic progress, and respect for human dignity,” Archbishop Nkea said on Tuesday, June 2.

The Local Ordinary of Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese reflected on the April 15-18 Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon, describing it as a historic moment for the local Church and a source of renewed hope for the nation.

“At a time when our Church and our country needed it most, he accepted, against all odds, even risking his own life, to come and comfort us and renew in us the hope that does not disappoint,” the NECC President said.

He also highlighted the Holy Father’s appeal for reconciliation and an end to violence, recalling that Pope Leo XIV spoke of the suffering caused by the conflicts affecting parts of Cameroon, including the loss of lives, the displacement of families, disruptions to education, and growing uncertainty among young people.

The Cameroonian Archbishop said the Church remains committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and hope while encouraging greater investment in the country’s youth as an essential part of building a stable future.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Nkea noted that the tensions and violence affecting parts of Cameroon have caused profound suffering, including loss of life, displacement of families, disruption of education, and uncertainty among young people.

“Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction, and exile,” the Catholic Archbishop said, echoing the Pope’s call.

He emphasized that peace cannot be achieved solely through political declarations but requires a sincere commitment to dialogue, conversion, justice, and national reconciliation.

“We will never achieve lasting peace without a firm decision to choose the path that leads to it, with all its demands of conversion, love for country, change of mentality, and dialogue,” he said.

As Cameroon prepares for future municipal elections, Archbishop Nkea called for prayers and vigilance, noting that elections in the country are often accompanied by tensions and violence.

“The appeasement that we contributed to create after the presidential election was not a sign of weakness, but a necessity for our society,” he said.

A significant portion of the Archbishop’s address focused on the role of young people in building a peaceful and prosperous future.

Drawing from Pope Leo XIV’s remarks during his visit, Archbishop Nkea emphasized that youth remain the nation’s greatest hope.

“Young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures,” he said.

He warned that unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities continue to expose many young people to violence, migration, drug abuse, prostitution, and despair.

“Investing in education, training, and entrepreneurship for young people is therefore a strategic choice for peace,” Archbishop Nkea said.

The NECC president also encouraged the Church in Cameroon to reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, particularly its teaching on the ethical challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

“In times marked by the challenges posed by a certain use of digital technology and artificial intelligence, we must discern how to receive the Holy Father’s encyclical in our context,” he said.

Archbishop Nkea also used the occasion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of NECC, describing the milestone as a testament to six decades of evangelization, ecclesial maturity, and faithful service to the people of God.

The 51st Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the NECC, running from May 31 to June 5, is bringing together Catholic Bishops from across Cameroon to review pastoral priorities, discuss national concerns, evaluate Church projects, and strengthen their collective mission of evangelization.

Throughout the gathering, Archbishop Nkea said, the Bishops are to continue praying for peace in Cameroon and around the world while seeking ways to respond to the challenges facing the Church and society.

“We freely chose to come together and persevere in our journey toward eternity. May the Holy Spirit remain the principal protagonist of our communion and collegiality, so that our work may be for the glory of God and the salvation of all,” he said.

Source: aci Africa

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