Pope in Cameroon: The peace of Christ calms life's storms

Source: Vatican Media

Around 200,000 people gathered for Mass with Pope Leo at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, today. Many had camped out the night before, and hundreds of thousands of others followed it in areas surrounding the venue. The festive celebration marked the culmination of the Pope's four day visit to Cameroon before heading to Angola, the next destination in his pastoral journey to Africa.

The Holy Father expressed his profound gratitude for the welcome he recieved and the moments of joy and faith experienced together.

In his homily given in French, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading recounting on how Jesus' disciples navigated the strong winds while crossing the lake of Tiberias with feelings of fear and doubt. The Pope recalled how the Church down through the ages has "navigated many storms and 'strong winds'", just as we must in our own lives. At times, life's tribulations can make us feel overcome by adverse forces, he acknowledged. Yet, we must always remember, he said, that "Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil" and "Jesus does not abandon us, just like he did not abandon the disciples on the Sea of Galilee."

The Pope said knowing Jesus never abandons us allows us to get up after every fall and not allow the storms of life to stop us. "We go forward always with courage and trust." While "faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations", we can be assured that Jesus is with us. "He does not immediately calm the storm, but comes to us in the midst of the danger, and invites us, in our joys and sorrows, to remain together with him, like the disciples, in the same boat."

As Jesus is with us, we must also be close to those who are afraid and suffering, the Pope said, saying we must "draw near to them" and "embrace them" since "no one must be left alone to confront life's adversities." This is why every community needs to create and support one another with mutual aid, especially "when faced with crises -- be they social, political, medical or economic -- everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs."

Jesus' exhortation "do not be afraid" is spoke to each one of us individually and as a community, the Pope explained, and it gives us encouragement to confront problems and challenges, especially related to poverty and justice, all together with a sense of common responsibility.

"Faith does not separate the spiritual from the social. Indeed, it gives Christians the strength to interact with the world, responding to the needs of others, especially the weakest. The isolated efforts of individuals are not enough for the salvation of a community: instead, what is needed is a communal commitment, which integrates the spiritual and moral dimensions of the Gospel in the heart of local institutions and structures, making them instruments for the common good, and not places of conflict, self-interest or sterile struggles."

The Pope recalled how the first disciples faced the challenges of sharing the faith and living in community, overwhelmed with the immense challenges that emerged. But they gathered together, discussed the issues, and then united in prayer to discern how best to share the Good News and be attentive to those suffering among them, assisting widows and orphans.

"Listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being attentive to the cry of the suffering, they not only avoided division within the community, but they also equipped it with new instruments suitable to its growth, transforming a moment of crisis into an occasion of enrichment and development for everyone."

In conclusion, Pope Leo bade farewell to the congregation, recalling how everyone will return to their daily lives and "the Church continues on its course towards the final goal, thanks to the grace of God and the commitment of every person." He encouraged everyone to treasure and remember "the beautiful moments that we have experienced together alive in our hearts," and as we face life's difficulties to always "make space for Jesus, allowing him to enlighten and renew us every day by his presence."

"The Church in Cameroon is alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony. With the help of the Virgin Mary, our Mother, may your joyful presence continue to blossom. And may the strong winds, which are never lacking in life, be an occasion for growth in the joyful service of God and your brothers and sisters through sharing, listening, praying and the desire to grow together."

After a farewell ceremony at the Cameroonian airport, Pope Leo walked with Cameroon's Prime Minister, Joseph Dion along a long red carpet to the foot of the aircraft waiting to take him on the next leg of his Apostolic Journey - to Angola.

LINKS

Pope Leo's homily text during Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport:
www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2026/documents/20260418-camerun-messa-yaounde.html

Watch the Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ2WuEIJ6ds