As of January 2026, Pope Leo XIV is planning a visit to Cameroon as part of his first official tour of Africa.
The trip is anticipated to take place in the coming months, with some sources scheduling it for April or May 2026.
Key Details of the Planned Visit:
Itinerary: The Pope is expected to visit the capital city of Yaoundé, the economic hub Douala, and, significantly, Bamenda in the North West region.
Symbolic Gestures: A stop in Bamenda is viewed as a symbolic effort to address the ongoing security crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
Preparations: The Vatican’s nuncio in Yaoundé, Bishop José Avelino Bettencourt, has been coordinating with Cameroonian officials, including President Paul Biya, to finalize logistical and security arrangements.
Broader Africa Tour: Cameroon is part of a larger multi-country itinerary that is also expected to include Algeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Context and Reaction:
Local Support: The National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon and the Archbishop of Douala have begun organizing preparatory meetings to welcome the
Pope.
Controversy: The potential visit has faced criticism from some civil society groups and activists who argue that a high-profile visit following the disputed October 2025 presidential election could be seen as an endorsement of the political status quo.
History: This would be the first papal visit to Cameroon since Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2009.
