Team on inspection at the Cathedral
With just days to go before the highly anticipated visit of Pope Leo XIV, authorities and church leaders in Bamenda have expressed strong confidence in the region’s readiness to host the historic event scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2026.
A high-level delegation led by Okie Johnson Ndoh, general coordinator of the Pope’s visit to Cameroon, conducted a final inspection of key sites, including the airport, cathedral, and major access roads. The visit marked the fifth and most critical control mission ahead of the arrival of a Vatican evaluation team expected on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
“This last control mission is very important and significant,” Ndoh stated. “The last time we were here, work stood at about 75 percent. Today, we can confidently say we are at 92 percent completion. Most of the recommendations previously raised have been addressed, and we are getting very ready for the final control team.”
Security and civic responsibility have also been emphasized as central to the success of the papal visit. Adolphe Lele Lafrique, Governor of the North West Region and President of the Local Organizing Committee, called on citizens to remain vigilant.
“With all the mobilization of security services, we urge the population to report any suspicious activity. When you see something, say something,” he said. “People from all walks of life, across denominations, political, and cultural backgrounds, are mobilized to give the Pope a befitting welcome.”
Governor Lele Lafrique highlighted that critical infrastructure is now in place. “The cathedral is ready, the airport is ready, and the roads are ready. We are now simply waiting to receive the Holy Father,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Andrew Nkea Fuanya, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bamenda and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness.
“We are very, very satisfied with the state of preparation from both the state and the church,” Archbishop Nkea said following the inspection. “With just one week to the event, our watchword is clear: we are ready.”
He further emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, noting that invitations have been extended beyond the Catholic community. “Christians and non-Christians alike are mobilized. We have invited our Protestant brothers and sisters, Islamic communities, and all people of goodwill. This is a moment of unity for Bamenda.”
The inspection team also included key security and administrative officials such as Brigadier General Bouba Dobekreo, Commander of the 5th Joint Military Region, Regional Delegate for National Security Wilson Elung Njume, and President of the North West Regional Assembly, Professor Fru Angwafo.
As Bamenda enters the final stretch of preparations, the convergence of religious, political, and security stakeholders underscores the significance of the Pope’s visit, not only as a spiritual milestone but also as a moment of unity and resilience for the region.
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