World Africa

Pope Leo’s massive Cameroon Mass

In the largest gathering of his 10-day four-nation tour, Pope Leo XIV addressed a sea of faithful at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon's economic hub.

The liturgy, delivered in both French and English, focused on themes of generosity and resilience, with the Pope urging young people to resist the temptations of corruption.

This visit comes amid heightened security and follows recent public criticisms of the pontiff by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Vatican's stance on global conflicts.

Despite the political friction, the massive turnout underscores the significant growth and influence of the Catholic Church across the African continent.

Why Africa is crucial to the Catholic Church CNN — Apr 17, 17:28 PM
Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at mass that draws 120,000 people South China Morning Post — Apr 17, 17:15 PM
Thousands celebrate open-air Mass with Pope Leo in Cameroon - in pictures BBC News — Apr 17, 16:32 PM
Pope Leo XIV leads massive mass in Douala France 24 — Apr 17, 16:12 PM
Pope Leo XIV leads massive mass in Douala • FRANCE 24 English France 24 — Apr 17, 16:12 PM
Pope Leo XIV holds mass with estimated 120,000 in Cameroon UPI — Apr 17, 15:52 PM
Pope urges young people to resist temptation of corruption in big Mass in Cameroon PBS — Apr 17, 16:06 PM
Pope’s Mass for more than 100,000 in Cameroon highlights Catholicism’s growth in Africa CNN — Apr 17, 14:26 PM
Pope Leo XIV greeted by crowd of 120,000 in Cameroon as he attacks uneven distribution of wealth NBC News — Apr 17, 13:23 PM
Pope Leo calls on Cameroonians to reject violence as 120,000 join Mass Al Jazeera — Apr 17, 12:32 PM
Pope Leo urges Cameroon’s youth to resist temptation of corruption at Mass that draws 120,000 people The Globe and Mail — Apr 17, 11:38 AM
Hundreds of thousands expected at Pope Leo’s giant Mass in Cameroon’s Douala France 24 — Apr 17, 08:25 AM

Leo XIV
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–)

Douala
City in Cameroon

Cameroon
Sovereign state in West-Central Africa

Japoma Sports Complex
Football stadium in cameroon

Vatican City
Holy See's independent state, an enclave within Rome, Italy