Violet Riquelme
Near the end of his visit in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV privately visited the Catholic Saint Paul Hospital in the city of Douala. The center is run by the archdiocese in the Bassa neighborhood that primarily serves women, children, and vulnerable people.
Pope Leo toured several wards there with the hospital’s director, spent time in the chapel, and warmly greeted patients.
Pope Leo offered words of comfort to patients and caregivers, and gave his blessing for their daily work.
POPE LEO XIV
I would like to greet all of you, share my prayers with you, and offer you the Lord's blessing as you face suffering, illness, and the care of others. I especially extend this to the sisters and all wo work in this hospital, that the Lord may grant you grace, strength, perserverance, and comfort.
The visit ended with a blessing and personal greetings to several patients, marked by simplicity and compassion.
