SOME IMPRESSIONS ON THE POPE’S VISIT TO CAMEROON: “a great gift”
by Sr. Lucia Citro mmx, Douala, Cameroon4
Experiencing first-hand Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Africa was a great gift. As a Xaverian Missionary of Mary sister, based in Douala (Cameroon’s economic and demographic hub), I had the immense joy of attending, on April 17, at the papal Mass celebrated on the esplanade of the Japoma stadium.
It was impossible not to be there: our community is just ten kilometres from the stadium! First and foremost, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord for having been able to share this extraordinary historical event with the Cameroonian people, which took place against a particularly troubled socio-political background.
Yet here, the people never cease to bear witness to their living faith, imbued with prayer and joyful hope. The Pope’s visit to Douala lasted only a few hours, but it left an indelible mark on people’s hearts. Days later, the emotion is still palpable. Even those who are not particularly accustomed to Church matters say they are proud and honored that such a special figure chose to come to Cameroon.
His courageous message of peace, his strong appeals to those in power, his words of encouragement to young people, the comforting signs of blessing he bestowed on everyone with such love, his decision to visit, away from the spotlight, a small hospital on the outskirts of the city, as well as the inspiring gestures he made throughout his African tour, have been a great source of comfort to us.
Like a soothing balm poured onto the wounds of those who suffer, the papal visit will help us believe that the current situation can change. Commenting on the Pope’s homily in Japoma, a mother said: “The Word sown in our land will bear fruit, because if you sow, the land does not deceive; it never deceives!”
