James O'Reilly
A gift exchange took place after the Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV at Japoma Stadium in the city of Douala, Cameroon, which was attended by more than 120,000 faithful.
The Cameroonian archbishop Samuel Kleda, on behalf of the entire archdiocese, gave the pope a wooden sculpture carved in the shape of a barge, which represents the people of Cameroon. Pope Leo also received several objects—such as a table and chair—carved from this wood, a material native to the African country. He was also given a chasuble—a liturgical vestment—with designs characteristic of that region of central Africa.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo and the Holy See gave a chalice as gift and sign of affection to the city of Douala—a touching memento to remember the pontiff’s visit to Japoma during his first tour of Africa as pope and his third apostolic journey.
