BAMENDA, Cameroon \u2013 From the Catholic cathedral of Bamenda on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV urged both Christians and Muslims to heal the wounds of conflict in Cameroon.<\/p>\n
When Leo arrived at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on the fourth day of his visit to Africa, he first visited the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a moment of prayer with Archbishop Andrew Nkea Funya of Bamenda.<\/p>\n
During an interreligious peace gathering, Encia said the Pope’s presence was a consolation for people. The meeting included testimony from local people, including Catholics, Protestants and Muslims.<\/p>\n
“Holy Father, help us find peace,” said Mohammed Abubakar, imam of Buea’s Central Mosque, after speaking about the violent incidents in recent years.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV prays in adoration before the Eucharist in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon on April 16, 2026. Credit: Vatican Media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cIt is a joy for me to be with you in this region that has endured so much suffering. As your testimony has just demonstrated, the lived experience of suffering by your community has further strengthened your conviction that God has never abandoned us! In God, in His peace, we can always begin anew!\u201d Pope said.<\/p>\n
He further said, “May we all continue on the path of goodness that leads to peace.” “I am grateful for your words of welcome, for it is true: I am here to declare peace. Yet I feel that it is you who are declaring peace for me and for the whole world.”<\/p>\n
Leo praised the testimony of local Muslims and Christians in working for peace and said he wanted “this to happen in many other places in the world.”<\/p>\n
“Jesus told us: Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the name of God for their military, economic or political gain, dragging what is holy into darkness and filth,” Leo said.<\/p>\n
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude to all the lay people and religious women who care for those suffering from violence \u2013 a work that is dangerous and invisible.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nPope Leo XIV becomes emotional during a peace meeting at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon on April 16, 2026. Credit: Vatican Media<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He said, “The masters of war do not know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet a lifetime is often not enough to rebuild.” \u201cWe must make a decisive change \u2013 a true transformation \u2013 that will take us in the opposite direction, on a sustainable path enriched by human brotherhood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeace is not something we must invent: it is something we must embrace by accepting our neighbor as our brother and our sister. We do not choose our brothers and sisters: we must simply accept each other!\u201d He requested. <\/p>\n
The Pope said: “Let us walk together in love, always seeking peace.”<\/p>\n
At the end of the meeting, outside the cathedral, Pope Leo released seven doves as a sign of peace with representatives of the Bamenda community.<\/p>\n
“My dear brothers and sisters, today the Lord has chosen all of us to be peace-bringing workers on this land! Let us all pray to the Lord, that peace may truly prevail among us, that as soon as we release these white doves \u2013 the symbol of peace \u2013 the peace of God will be upon us all in this land, and keep us all united in His peace. Praise the Lord!” He said.<\/p>\n