Thousands celebrate open-air Mass with Pope Leo in Cameroon – in pictures

Over 120,000 individuals gathered for an open-air Mass led by Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon, marking the largest attendance yet on his 11-day tour of Africa. The event took place in Douala, the country’s economic hub, as the Pope emphasized peace following his visit to the Anglophone region, which has endured a decade-long conflict. Enthusiastic supporters gathered at Japoma Stadium to greet Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival, with many waving and cheering as he approached in the Popemobile.

Devotees camped outside the venue overnight on Thursday, vying for a front-row view of the Pope’s speech, with some waiting over 24 hours. By Friday, tens of thousands of people, including clergy members, braved the heat to attend the ceremony. The Pope’s message centered on spiritual renewal and urged youth to embrace diverse skills while fostering community bonds. “Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive,” he stated.

“Do not let yourselves be corrupted by temptations that waste your energies and do not serve the progress of society,”

he added.

Attendees expressed joy at meeting the Pope, reflecting broader hopes for stability in Cameroon. Some raised umbrellas and books overhead to shield from the sun, while others wiped sweat from their faces. Prayer took varied forms in the crowd, with some clasping hands and others kneeling in devotion. On the fifth day of his Africa trip, Pope Leo also visited St Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala, underscoring his commitment to social welfare. His journey began in Algeria on Monday, the first visit by a Pope to a predominantly Muslim nation. The Pope will continue his tour with stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

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