THE FUSE

(The Post News)- Thousands of people gathered early on Friday in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and economic center, for a Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, expected to be the biggest event of his four-nation African tour.

The Vatican anticipates that around 600,000 people will crowd the streets near Japoma Stadium to take part in the celebration and listen to the pope, who has spoken strongly about war and inequality and has drawn criticism from Donald Trump.

Overnight Wait as Crowds Gather

Under tight security, some Cameroonians arrived at the stadium as early as Thursday and spent the night there so they could see Leo in person.

Harsh Conditions but Strong Faith

One attendee, Kevin Kaegam, said the experience was difficult due to the cold weather, mosquitoes, and other challenges, but explained that they endured it because they were determined to see the supreme pontiff.

Leo, the first pope from the United States, on Thursday, criticised leaders who spend billions on wars and, in unusually strong remarks delivered in Cameroon, said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”

He arrived in Douala after a one-hour flight from Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital. He is scheduled to spend about four hours in the city, including a visit to a Catholic hospital, before returning to Yaounde.

During his 10-day trip across Africa, the pontiff has condemned breaches of international law by what he called “neocolonial” powers and warned that “the whims of the rich and powerful” are putting global peace at risk.

Cameroon, known for producing oil and cocoa, is facing serious security challenges, including an ongoing Anglophone conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since 2017.

The country has been ruled for over four decades by President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 93. His re-election last October triggered protests from opponents who argue that ordinary citizens have seen little benefit from his leadership.

Crowds welcoming the pope during his visit have been lively and enthusiastic, lining the streets along his routes and wearing colourful fabrics printed with his image.

Bishop Leopold Bayemi Matjei described Leo’s visit as “a moment of great joy” and expressed hope that it would bring blessings to the country.

“Our country needs a lot of blessing, a powerful blessing, so that hope will come to rise again,” said the bishop, who leads the Church in Obala, about an hour north of Yaounde.