By Menyam Sibelle
The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea has told the press that “peace is not like a switch that can but put off and on”, but rather a process that take time to achieve.
This was at a press briefing he held on March 20, 2026 at the Big Mankon Cathedral hall in preparation ahead of the visit of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for April 16, 2026.
While clarifying that the Sovereign Pontiff’s visit was not political, he said as a pastor his message of peace would certainly change some minds, even just one. He expressed hope that the Pope’s message of peace would resonate with the population, particularly in a region affected by prolonged instability. He stressed that the Pope, despite being a Head of State, cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another country so we should not expect him to come with solutions to our problems.
Speaking on the expected impact of the visit, the Archbishop noted that papal visits traditionally bring both spiritual and social transformation. He highlighted ongoing improvements in infrastructure, including the renovation of the Bamenda airport and road networks, as part of preparations.
He further emphasized that the visit is inclusive, involving various religious and social groups, including Muslim, Protestant, Anglican, and traditional communities, as well as other Christian bodies.
The Archbishop expressed satisfaction at engaging the press ahead of the historic visit, describing the announcement as “good news,” particularly as it comes within the first year of the Pope’s pontificate. He revealed that initial speculation about the visit, which began circulating in mid-2025, was officially confirmed by the Vatican in March 2026.
He further disclosed that the Pope’s African tour will span several countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, lasting 10 days. While in Cameron he will spend all three nights at the Apostolic Nuncio in Yaounde only.
Providing details of the itinerary, the Archbishop announced that the Pope will be in Cameroon from April 15 to 18, visiting Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala.
He explained that the choice of Cameroon remains beyond human reasoning, stating that “It can only be God.”
Clarifying the process behind the papal visit, Archbishop Nkea explained that two formal invitations are required: one from the National Episcopal Conference and another from the State. He revealed that while the Church had extended its invitation, the Vatican later requested an official state invitation, which led to engagements with state authorities. He noted that these discussions were conducted under “pontifical secrecy,” which prevented earlier public clarification amid circulating rumors on social media.
He emphasized that the dual invitation is necessary because the Pope visits both as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and as the Head of State of the Vatican state.
The theme of the Pope’s visit to Cameroon has been announced as “May They All Be One,” selected following social challenges such as political tensions, ethnic divisions, and the spread of hate speech. The Archbishop stressed that the visit is centered on humanity and unity rather than politics.
Breaking down the program, Archbishop Nkea stated that upon arrival in Yaoundé, the Pope will be received by both Church and State authorities, pay a courtesy visit to the Head of State, and meet with members of the National Episcopal Conference.
On the second day, the Pope will visit Bamenda under the theme “My Peace I Give You, My Peace I Leave You,” drawn from John 14:27.
The visit to Bamenda will be the focus of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda, which includes the dioceses of Buea, Kumba, Mamfe, Kumbo, and Bamenda.
The Pope is expected to land at the Bamenda airport at 11 a.m on the 16 of April, before proceeding to St. Joseph Cathedral Big Mankon. There, he will meet traditional rulers from the North-West and South-West Regions, civil society actors, elites, members of the Muslim and Protestant communities, as well as a significant representation of the Catholic faithful and internally displaced persons.
Following this meeting, the Pope will make a brief stop at the Archbishop’s residence before returning to the airport, where he will celebrate Holy Mass. He will then depart for Yaoundé the same day.
The Archbishop also outlined activities in other regions. In Douala, the Pope will meet with youth under the theme “Give Them Yourselves Something to Eat,” while Yaoundé will host three ecclesiastical provinces, Garoua, Bertoua, and Yaounde, under the theme “Love and Truth Have Met, Justice and Peace Have Prevailed.”
On media access, Archbishop Nkea clarified that entry to papal events will require official accreditation passes issued by the General Organizing Committee. He firmly debunked rumors of any registration fees, stating that “the pass is free,” and urged the public to disregard false information circulating on social media.
The Archbishop concluded by calling on media to report responsibly and objectively on the visit, while encouraging the public to allow the Pope to freely deliver his message. He underscored that the visit is not driven by any political agenda but is a spiritual mission aimed at blessing the people and promoting unity.
He advised that all official information regarding the visit should be obtained through respective diocesan bishops or the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.
