Papal Visit: Bamenda Archbishop Embraces Spiritual Renewal, Bibiana Dighambong Demands Justice and Healing
The announced Apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon has sparked a mixture of celebration, hope, and urgent appeals for reform, as religious and civil society leaders describe the moment as a potential turning point for a nation facing multiple crises.
Speaking in an interview with Vatican Radio, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda and President of the Cameroon National Episcopal Conference, described the news as a source of profound joy.
“It is a great joy not only for me but for the Cameroonian population,” he said. “We are very, very happy that the Pope has chosen to visit our country, especially during this difficult period.”
Cameroon continues to confront serious challenges. Armed violence linked to Boko Haram persists in the Far North. The Anglophone crisis remains unresolved in the North West and South West regions. In the East, refugee flows and internal displacement have strained already fragile communities.
Archbishop Nkea said the Church expects the Pope to arrive “as a messenger of peace,” as well as “an apostle of reconciliation” and “a promoter of justice.”
He called on citizens to prepare spiritually by reconciling with one another and praying for the success of the visit. He also urged Cameroonians to remain positive amid political debates surrounding the visit. Some critics have questioned its cost and timing, but Archbishop Nkea dismissed negative interpretations, calling the visit “an act of God.” “If the Holy Father comes to our country, he cannot go back leaving the country the same,” he said.
The Archbishop pointed to ongoing infrastructure improvements in Bamenda including road construction, expanded water and electricity installations, and rehabilitation work at a long-abandoned airport as early signs of positive change linked to preparations for the visit.
Civil Society Pushes for Concrete Outcomes
While Church leaders emphasize spiritual renewal, civil society groups are pressing for substantive reforms. In a statement issued ahead of the visit, Bibiana Dighambong, Founder and Executive Director of Bihndumlem Humanitarian for Peace and Hope (BIHAPH), described Cameroon as “a bleeding nation” suffering from war, displacement, trauma, poverty, and deep social divisions.
She warned that the Apostolic visit “must not end as a symbolic ceremony,” but instead serve as a national platform for meaningful peace dialogue. The civil society leader called for the convening of government officials, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives to renew commitments to non-violence and inclusive nation-building.
The Global Peace and Trauma-Informed Advocate also urged the launch of a trauma-informed reconciliation process, noting that millions of Cameroonians carry psychological wounds from years of conflict. Among her recommendations, were a compassionate review of prolonged detentions, strengthened protection and reintegration pathways for displaced persons, and expanded global partnerships to support grassroots trauma healing and post-war recovery initiatives. “This visit must awaken our national conscience not only to pray for peace, but to act for justice, restore dignity, and rebuild hope,” she stated.
A Moment of National Reflection
Together, the statements from Archbishop Nkea and Bibiana Dighambong reflect both spiritual anticipation and civic urgency. For many Cameroonians, the papal visit represents more than a diplomatic or religious event; it is being viewed as an opportunity to confront unresolved grievances and chart a path toward reconciliation.
Whether the visit ultimately produces lasting political and social change remains uncertain. But as preparations continue, expectations are high that the presence of the Holy Father will focus international attention on Cameroon’s challenges and perhaps, as Archbishop Nkea suggests, ensure that the country “will not remain the same.”
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