Pope Leo XIV receives ‘Catechism of Peace’ inspired by 2026 Bamenda visit

Archbishop Andrew Nkea presents 100 questions and answers drawn from the Pope’s April 2026 peace message, turning his appeal for reconciliation into a pastoral guide for families, schools and parishes.

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda has presented Pope Leo XIV with a new pastoral book, The Catechism of Peace, developed from the Pope’s appeals for peace and reconciliation during his historic visit to Bamenda in April 2026.

The book was handed to the Pope during an audience at the Vatican on 7 October 2026, according to a report by Radio Evangelium Bamenda.

Compiled by Archbishop Andrew Nkea, the catechism contains 100 questions and answers based on the Pope’s speeches and homily delivered in Bamenda during his Apostolic Visit to Cameroon. It is intended to help families, schools and parishes understand and apply the Pope’s message in their daily lives.

The questions address issues affecting communities in the North West and South West regions, including forgiveness, dialogue, care for internally displaced persons, youth participation and responsible leadership. The answers quote or draw on the Pope’s own words during his meeting with community representatives at St Joseph’s Cathedral and the open-air Mass at Bamenda International Airport.

“When the Holy Father came to us, our people asked: What did the Pope tell us? What must we do now?” Archbishop Andrew Nkea said. 

“This Catechism is our answer. It is not my teaching. It is the teaching of the Holy Father, given to us in Bamenda.”

Pope Leo XIV reportedly expressed appreciation for the publication, saying he was “happily surprised” to see it. He also expressed the hope that children would read the book and develop a culture of peace, while thanking Archbishop Andrew Nkea and his team for turning the papal visit into practical pastoral material.

“The Church is present. The Church listens. The Church serves,” the Pope said during the meeting, repeating a line from his Bamenda homily that is included in the catechism.

The publication comes as Bamenda and other communities in the North West and South West continue to face the effects of the Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, deaths, disruption of education and the loss of livelihoods.

During his April visit, Pope Leo called for peace, justice and reconciliation, urging communities to reject violence and embrace their neighbours as brothers and sisters. He also praised cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders, describing their joint efforts for peace as an example for the wider world.

Archbishop Andrew Nkea said the catechism is intended to keep that message alive beyond the papal visit. Initial copies are expected to be distributed to Catholic parishes and schools in Bamenda before reaching other dioceses across Cameroon. Peace and Justice commissions will also use the publication in community formation activities.

The presentation follows Pope Leo XIV appointment of Archbishop Andrew Nkea as a member of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Section for the First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches, on 30 June 2026. The Archbishop also serves as President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.

The book Archbishop Andrew Nkea, marks the beginning of a continuing commitment to peace rather than the conclusion of the Pope’s visit.

“For us in Bamenda, peace is a daily choice,” he said. 

“With these 100 questions and answers, we hope our people will learn, teach, and live what the Holy Father asked of us.” he added

The catechism seeks to move the Pope’s message from a historic gathering into everyday practice, placing its lessons on peace and reconciliation in the hands of the communities most affected by the conflict.

By Hilltopvoices Team with additional Reports 

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