As preparations intensify for the April 2026 visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon, one of the key figures behind the scenes has described the communication effort as both unexpected and highly demanding.
“I was taken aback by this appointment, which came as a surprise, entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as a liaison between the local and international media and the organisers of the papal visit,” he said.
Fr Asanji Beltus, born on September 22, 1984, received his priestly formation at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui and currently serves as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Parish Manda in Nkwen-Bamenda. His pastoral work is complemented by a strong footprint in media and communication within the Church.
He is widely recognised for his role as a digital communicator for the archdiocese and as a contributor to Catholic media, particularly through reporting and analysis of Church affairs. His growing influence in the field was acknowledged in 2025 when the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union honoured him with a prestigious award for professionalism and excellence in journalism during activities marking World Press Freedom Day.
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He is also an author of God’s Time is the Best, a reflective work that draws from his personal journey and promotes patience and faith, further reinforcing his role as both communicator and pastor.
Now tasked with coordinating communication for a global ecclesiastical event, Rev. Fr Asanji says the responsibility comes with intense pressure.
“This role is particularly challenging, as it requires me to be a central point of contact for numerous media professionals seeking vital information about the event,” he said.
With Cameroon preparing to host the Pope from 15 to 18 April, the demand for accurate and timely information has surged, placing communication at the heart of the visit’s success.
“I have been diligently responding to a multitude of emails and phone calls, striving to provide accurate and timely information to those who need it,” he said adding that “I am committed to continuing this effort to ensure the success of the papal visit.”
As international attention builds around events in Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala, he has issued a direct appeal to journalists covering the visit.
“My appeal to media men and women is that they should maintain professionalism before, during and after the papal visit,” he said.
The statement reflects broader concerns about accuracy, ethics and responsibility in reporting an event expected to draw global scrutiny.
For Fr Asanji, the assignment is a strategic communication effort aimed at ensuring that the core message of the papal visit, centred on peace, unity and reconciliation, is conveyed clearly and credibly.
Positioned at the intersection of faith and media, his work will shape how the story of the visit is told, reinforcing the Church’s effort to present a coherent and impactful narrative at a critical moment for Cameroon.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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