Christians across the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province have been called to rally in large numbers and in unity ahead of the visit of Pope Leo XIV, as the Catholic Church intensifies spiritual and logistical preparations for what it describes as a defining moment for a region in search of peace.
In a circular issued on the 2 April 2026, Rev Fr William Neba, General Coordinator of the Pope’s visit to the province, addressed bishops, clergy, consecrated persons and the lay faithful, framing the April 16 encounter as both pastoral and deeply symbolic. He underscored the weight of the visit against the backdrop of nearly a decade of crisis in the North West and South West regions.
“This visit is not just like any other Apostolic Visit… but this one has significant overtones especially for us in this province when we look back on what we have gone through for the past nine years and are still going through today,” he wrote.
Pope Leo XIV, described as “the Shepherd who cares for the sheep,” is expected to arrive at the Bamenda International Airport at 11:00 am from Yaoundé before proceeding to the Saint Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mankon. Later in the day, he will return to the airport to celebrate a major open-air Mass for peace and justice scheduled for 3:15 pm.
“The Holy Father’s first outing to us is Peace and Justice,” he stated, invoking the biblical greeting, “Peace be with you.”
The Church has extended an open invitation beyond Catholic faithful to include Christians of other denominations, Muslims, adherents of traditional religions and people of goodwill, positioning the event as a collective national moment rather than a strictly Catholic gathering.
“Everyone is invited to come so that together as God’s children we should pray for peace and justice in our land,” the letter emphasised.
Detailed arrangements have been outlined to ensure order and inclusivity. Designated spaces will be allocated for clergy, religious groups, civil and traditional authorities, the press, choirs and organised lay movements such as the Catholic Women’s Association, Catholic Men Association and youth groups. Additional sections will accommodate lay faithful from different dioceses within and outside the province, as well as visitors from across the country.
Participants have also been encouraged to obtain the official fabric of the Papal visit, now available at diocesan offices, and to line the route from the airport to the cathedral in a coordinated show of welcome. Practical guidance, including the need to carry umbrellas due to weather uncertainties, reflects the scale of planning underway.
Beyond logistics, the communication places strong emphasis on sustained prayer as a critical component of preparation. Fr Neba urged continued recitation of the official prayer released by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, expressing hope that the visit will yield “appropriate fruits” for all.
“We look forward to seeing you all on that day so that we with one chorus of exultant praise can storm heaven with our prayers and surely the Lord will come to our aid,” he concluded.
By Asheri Loveline for Hilltopvoices web
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