Mr President,
Distinguished Authorities,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception I have received and for the words of welcome addressed to me. It is with deep joy that I find myself in Cameroon, often described as “Africa in miniature” because of the richness of its lands, cultures, languages and traditions. This variety is not weakness but a treasure. It constitutes a promise of fraternity and a solid foundation for building lasting peace.

I come among you as a shepherd and as a servant of dialogue, fraternity and peace. My visit is an expression of the affection of the Successor of Peter for all Cameroonians, as well as of the desire to encourage each of you to keep moving forward with enthusiasm and perseverance in building the common good. We are living, in fact, at a time when hopelessness is rampant and a sense of powerlessness tends to paralyze the renewal so deeply desired by peoples. There is such a hunger and thirst for justice! A thirst for getting involved, for a vision, for courageous choices and for peace! It is my great desire to reach the hearts of all, especially young people, who are called to help shape a world that is more just, including in the political sphere. I also wish to express my desire to strengthen the bonds of collaboration between the Holy See and the Republic of Cameroon, which are founded on mutual respect, the dignity of every human person and religious freedom.

Cameroon still carries the memory of the visits made by my Predecessors. Saint John Paul II bore a message of hope for all the peoples of Africa, and Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of reconciliation, justice and peace, as well as the moral responsibility of those in government. I know that these are important moments in your country’s history as they are compelling exhortations to a spirit of service, unity, and justice. We may therefore ask ourselves: where are we now? How has the Word that was proclaimed to us borne fruit? And what remains to be done?

Sixteen hundred years ago, Saint Augustine wrote words that have great relevance today: “Those who rule serve those whom they seem to command; for they rule not from a love of power, but from a sense of the duty they owe to others — not because they are proud of authority, but because they love mercy.” [1] From this perspective, serving one’s country means dedicating oneself, with a clear mind and an upright conscience, to the common good of all people in the nation. This includes dedication to both the majority of the population and the minorities, as well as their mutual harmony.

Today, like many other nations, your country is facing complex difficulties. The tensions and violence that have afflicted certain regions of the Northwest, Southwest and Far North have caused profound suffering: lives have been lost, families displaced, children deprived of schooling and young people no longer see a future. Behind the numbers are the faces, stories and shattered hopes of real people. In the face of such dramatic situations, I called on the human family at the beginning of this year to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace a peace founded on love and justice. A peace that is unarmed, that is, not based on fear, threats or weapons, and at the same time disarming, because it is capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts and generating trust, empathy and hope. Peace cannot be reduced to a slogan: it must be embodied in a way of life that renounces all forms of violence, both personally and institutionally. For this reason, I strongly reiterate: “The world is thirsting for peace… Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction and exile!” [2]  This cry is intended as an appeal that contributes to the efforts for an authentic peace, prioritizing it over any partisan interest.

Peace, in fact, cannot be decreed: it must be embraced and lived. It is a gift from God, which unfolds through patient and collective effort. It is everyone’s responsibility, beginning with civil authorities. To govern means to love one’s own country as well as neighboring countries; the commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” is equally applicable to international relations! To govern means truly listening to citizens, valuing their intelligence and their ability to help build lasting solutions to problems.  Pope Francis pointed out the need to move beyond “the idea of social policies being a policy for the poor, but never with the poor and never of the poor, much less part of a project which can bring people back together.” [3]

With such a change of approach, civil society must be recognized as a vital force for national cohesion. Cameroon is ready for this transition! Associations, women’s and youth organizations, trade unions, humanitarian NGOs as well as traditional and religious leaders all play an irreplaceable role in weaving the fabric of social peace. They are the first to intervene when tensions arise; they are the ones who care for the displaced, support victims, open spaces for dialogue and encourage local mediation. Their close ties to the local community enable them to understand the root causes of conflicts and to identify appropriate solutions. Civil society also contributes to shaping consciences, promoting a culture of dialogue and fostering respect for differences. In this way, civil society is preparing for a future that is less prone to uncertainty. I would like to highlight with gratitude the role played by women. They are often, unfortunately, the first victims of prejudice and violence, yet they are tireless peacemakers. Their commitment to education, mediation and the rebuilding of the social fabric is unparalleled and serves to curb corruption and abuses of power. For this reason, too, their voice must be fully recognized in decision-making processes.

In the face of such generous dedication within society, transparency in the management of public resources and respect for the rule of law are essential to restoring trust. It is time to examine our conscience and take a bold leap forward. Just and credible institutions become pillars of stability. Public authorities are called to serve as bridges, never as sources of division, even when insecurity seems prevalent. Security is a priority, but it must always be exercised with respect for human rights, combining rigor and magnanimity, with particular attention to the most vulnerable. Authentic peace arises when everyone feels protected, heard and respected, when the law serves as a secure safeguard against the whims of the rich and powerful.

Brothers and sisters, on closer reflection, the high offices you hold demand a twofold witness. The first is achieved through the collaboration of the various agencies and administrative levels of the State in the service of the people, and especially of the poor. The second is accomplished by carrying out your institutional and professional responsibilities with integrity and upright conduct. [4] Indeed, in order for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption — which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility — must be broken. Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit: true profit comes from integral human development, that is, the balanced growth of all the aspects that make life on this earth a blessing.

Cameroon possesses the human, cultural and spiritual resources necessary to overcome trials and conflicts and move toward a future of stability and shared prosperity. The common effort in favor of dialogue, justice and integral development must transform the wounds of the past into sources of renewal. As I have often mentioned, young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures. Of course, when unemployment and social exclusion persist, frustration can lead to violence. Investing in the education, training and entrepreneurship of young people is, therefore, a strategic choice for peace. It is the only way to curb the outflow of wonderful talent to other parts of the world. It is also the only way to combat the scourges of drugs, prostitution and apathy, which are devastating too many young lives in an increasingly dramatic way.

Thankfully, young people in Cameroon possess a deep spirituality that still resists the homogenizing influence of the market. It is a source of energy that gives value to their dreams, which are rooted in the prophecies that nourish their prayers and their hearts. When they are not twisted by the poison of fundamentalism, religious traditions inspire prophets of peace, justice, forgiveness and solidarity. By fostering interreligious dialogue and involving religious leaders in initiatives of mediation and reconciliation, politics and diplomacy can draw upon moral forces capable of easing tensions, preventing extremism and promoting a culture of mutual esteem and respect. Through her efforts in education, healthcare and charity, the Catholic Church in Cameroon desires to continue serving all citizens without distinction. The Church also wishes to work in good faith with civil authorities and all those involved in efforts to promote human dignity and reconciliation. Where possible, the Church intends to facilitate cooperation with other countries and strengthen ties between Cameroonians around the world and their communities of origin.

May God bless Cameroon, assist its leaders, guide civil society, enlighten the work of the Diplomatic Corps and grant the entire Cameroonian people — Christians and non-Christians, political leaders and citizens — the grace to welcome the Kingdom of God and so build together a future of justice and peace.

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[1] Saint Augustine, De civitate Dei, XIX, 14.

[2] Address in the Presence of Religious Leaders (28 October 2025).

[3] Francis, Address to Participants in the 3^rd World Meeting of Popular Movements (5 November 2016).

[4] Address to the Prefects of the Italian Republic (16 February 2026).

Dear children, dear friends,

I am very happy to visit this orphanage, which has become your home. Here, above all, it is our Heavenly Father who welcomes you with love as his children. He wants to show you his tenderness and to draw you close to his heart. In his name, I too wish to do the same. Indeed, you form a true family here, with brothers and sisters who all share a similar history marked by suffering. In this family, your eldest brother is Jesus! It is living as brothers and sisters gathered around him that makes you strong, helps you to carry life’s burdens together and allows you to experience true joy.

In a world often marked by indifference and selfishness, this home reminds us that we are the ones who need to look after our brothers and sisters, and that, in God’s great family, no one is ever a stranger or forgotten, no matter how small he or she may be.

Dear children, I know that many of you have endured difficult trials. Some of you have known the pain of loss through the death of parents or loved ones. Others have experienced fear, rejection, abandonment, deprivation and uncertainty. Yet, you are called to a future that is greater than your wounds. You are bearers of a promise.  For wherever there is misery, suffering or injustice, God is present; and he knows each of your faces and is very close to you. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus cares especially for children like you, and he would often place them at the center of a gathering. Know that he looks upon each one of you today with that same affection.

I would also like to greet with gratitude all those who take care of these children: the directors, educators, staff, volunteers and, of course, the Sisters. Your faithful dedication is a beautiful testimony of love. By caring for these children, you are getting a foretaste of the joy that the Lord has promised to those who serve the little ones (cf. Mt 25:40). Your patience reflects the face of divine mercy. Through your patience and dedication, you offer much more than mere material support: you offer these children a presence, a listening ear, a family and a future. Through you, God’s tenderness is made manifest — a faithful tenderness that does not falter in times of trial and never disappoints. I thank you for all that you do, and I encourage you to persevere courageously in this beautiful work that you have undertaken.

As I impart my heartfelt blessing, I entrust each of you to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother. May she always watch over you, console you in moments of sadness and help you to grow as true friends of her son, Jesus.