The second stop of Pope Leo XIV’s tour of Africa was Cameroon, which welcomed him with open arms at the airport in Yaoundé, the capital of the central African country.
After receiving a warm and jubilant welcome, the pope then headed to the Presidential Palace, where he was received by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya.
The Catholic population in the French and English speaking Cameroon is 35% of the total population, which amounts to 7 million people. They are part of the 70% Christian majority, while the rest of the population professes Islam.
The final stop on this first day in Cameroon was a very special place: a local orphanage. Here, the Catholic Church carries out a powerful and unparalleled mission.
Some of the children from this home welcomed Pope Leo with music and dance—joyful celebrations to greet the pontiff at the hospice run by the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary. The pope encouraged them in their ministry.
POPE LEO XIV
Your faithful commitment is a beautiful witness of love. By caring for these children, you are already tasting the joy promised by the Lord to those who serve the little ones (cf. Mt 25:40). Your care is the face of divine mercy.
And, of course, he addressed the children—the main characters—offering them these words of support and hope: Jesus had a special love for the little ones, and today he looks upon them in the same way.
POPE LEO XIV
I know that many of you have gone through difficult trials. Some have experienced the pain of absence through the loss of their parents or loved ones. Others have faced fear, rejection, abandonment, deprivation, and uncertainty. You are called to a future greater than your wounds.
The work carried out in that place is truly remarkable, and the visit concluded with an exchange of gifts: a tree of life and some books for the pontiff; and from him, an image of Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family with the Child Jesus.
