Pope Draws 100,000 in Cameroon Mass, Underscoring Catholicism’s Surge in Africa

More than 100,000 worshippers gathered in Douala on Friday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated the largest Mass of his ongoing Africa tour, highlighting the rapid growth of Catholicism across the continent.

The open-air liturgy, held at the Japoma Stadium complex, drew an estimated crowd of 120,000, according to local authorities.

Pilgrims arrived hours early, filling the venue with singing, dancing, and banners, as they welcomed the pope with visible excitement.

The visit forms part of the pontiff’s 10-day trip to Cameroon, a nation grappling with poverty and internal conflict. Despite its natural wealth, millions of citizens continue to face economic hardship.

Addressing the crowd during his homily, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the country’s challenges, noting that many citizens experience both material and spiritual deprivation.

“Your people are even richer than this land,” he said, urging Cameroonians to draw strength from values such as faith, family, hospitality, and hard work.

He also called on citizens to reject violence and resist corruption, warning against influences that hinder societal progress.

The massive turnout reflects the steady rise of Catholicism in Africa, where the faithful now account for roughly 20 percent of the global Catholic population.

In Cameroon alone, about 30 percent of the population identify as Catholic, with the Church playing a critical role in education, healthcare, and civil society support.

The pope’s stop in Douala followed a visit to Bamenda, a focal point of the country’s Anglophone crisis, where he participated in a peace meeting aimed at addressing ongoing tensions between separatist groups and the government.

Amid his African tour, Pope Leo XIV has also remained vocal on global issues, including conflict in the Middle East, drawing criticism from Donald Trump.

The pontiff, however, has maintained that he will continue to speak out on matters of justice and peace.

Observers note that his reception in Africa has been particularly warm, with the pope appearing increasingly at ease and delivering more impassioned messages as his visit progresses.