Pope Leo XIV has presided over the largest Mass of his African visit so far, with more than 100,000 worshippers gathering in Douala, Cameroon, for the open-air service.
Local authorities estimated attendance at roughly 120,000 people, as crowds filled the Japoma Stadium car park, welcoming the American pontiff with singing, dancing, banners, and Vatican flags.
Many faithful arrived hours in advance to secure space for the celebration, which also featured performances by a local choir.
The Cameroon stop is part of the Pope’s 10-day tour across Africa, a journey that has drawn renewed global attention to the country’s social and economic difficulties. Cameroon’s population of about 37.7 million continues to face widespread poverty, compounded by ongoing internal conflict in several regions.
Among those attending the Mass, emotions were mixed with devotion and frustration. “Having him here, I feel like I’m being blessed,” said Fola Norn, a young participant. “We are jobless here. We study and we don’t have jobs to do.”
In his homily, Pope Leo directly addressed the hardships facing the country, acknowledging the contrast between natural wealth and human suffering. “Despite the richness of the land in Cameroon, many experience both material and spiritual poverty,” he said. “Do not forget that your people are even richer than this land, for your treasure lies in your values: faith, family, hospitality and work.”
The pontiff also called on worshippers to uphold peace and reject violence in all forms, warning against destructive influences. He urged the faithful to “reject every form of abuse or violence,” and cautioned against being “corrupted by temptations that waste your energies and do not serve the progress of society.”
The scale of the gathering reflects the continued growth of Catholicism across Africa, which now represents about one-fifth of the global Catholic population. In Cameroon, Catholics make up approximately 30% of the population, with the Church playing a significant role in education, healthcare, and community development, particularly in underserved regions.
Before arriving in Douala, Pope Leo visited Bamenda, a region deeply affected by Cameroon’s ongoing Anglophone crisis, where separatist groups and government forces have been locked in conflict for years. During that stop, he took part in a peace-focused meeting with local communities.
The Pope has also recently faced criticism from former US President Donald Trump over his comments on the war in Iran. Despite this, Leo has maintained a firm stance, stating that he remains committed to speaking out on global issues.
Earlier this week, he said the world was being “ravaged by a few tyrants” and criticised global spending priorities, noting that vast sums are directed toward warfare while essential needs are neglected. He condemned those who turn “a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.”
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to continue his African tour with a visit to Angola on Saturday, marking the third destination in what is now his longest overseas trip since assuming the papacy.
