The Apostolic Nunciature to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea has issued a public notice dismissing claims circulating on social media about the sale of tickets for events during the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon.
In a statement released in Yaoundé on 16 March 2026, the Nunciature clarified that access to all liturgical celebrations presided over by the Pope between 15 and 18 April will be entirely free of charge.
The notice follows growing rumours online suggesting that special tickets or paid seating arrangements were being sold to members of the public ahead of the papal celebrations in Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala.
The Vatican diplomatic mission stressed that no authorisation has been granted for any private individual or group to sell access to papal celebrations.
“The faithful can access liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father entirely free of charge. No sale of tickets for seats is permitted to these celebrations,” the statement said.
Church authorities warned the public not to be misled by individuals or organisations attempting to charge money under the pretext of facilitating entry to papal events.
The clarification comes as preparations intensify across the country for the apostolic visit, which is expected to attract thousands of worshippers and pilgrims from across Cameroon and neighbouring countries.
Beyond addressing the rumours, the Nunciature emphasised that the visit should be understood primarily as a spiritual moment for the nation rather than a commercial or social spectacle.
Church leaders are therefore encouraging Catholics to prepare spiritually through prayer, participation in liturgical celebrations, Eucharistic adoration, catechesis and the sacrament of reconciliation.
The four day visit will see the Pope preside over several public celebrations, including a peace meeting and Mass in Bamenda, a Mass in Japoma Stadium and a concluding Mass in Yaoundé.
According to the Apostolic Nunciature, the visit represents a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Cameroon and an opportunity for national spiritual renewal.
By clarifying that access to papal events remains free and open to the faithful, Church authorities say the aim is to protect the integrity of the celebrations while ensuring that all believers can participate without financial barriers.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web
Tel: 694 71 85 77