Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, Moderator of the PCC.The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, has welcomed a renewed call for peace following the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Bamenda Metropolitan Cathedral.
Speaking after a solemn Mass marking the inauguration of the cathedral, the leader of the PCC described the Pope’s message as both timely and deeply resonant for communities affected by years of unrest in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions.
“We are here for the papal visit, and it was great indeed,” he said. “At the center of it was the situation we find ourselves in. The Pope spoke clearly about peace not as something to invent but something we are called to embrace.”
A message rooted in resilience
During his address, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the suffering endured by local communities while praising their resilience and commitment to coexistence. Drawing from scripture, he described the people of Bamenda as “a city on a hill” and urged them to remain steadfast. “Peace is not something we must invent: it is something we must embrace,” the Pope said, emphasizing reconciliation and mutual acceptance as the foundation for lasting stability.
PC Moderator, flanked by Synod Clerk, Others.
The pontiff also commended interfaith efforts in the region, noting that Christian and Muslim leaders have worked together through peace initiatives aimed at mediation and dialogue.
“Be the salt of the earth."
Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia echoed the Pope’s call, urging Cameroonians not to lose faith despite ongoing challenges. “He encouraged the people in Bamenda and across the North-West and South-West to remain the salt of the earth,” the PCC moderator said. “No matter what happens, we should not lose our faith.”
He added that the PCC delegation had specifically asked the Pope to pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation, a plea he hopes will soon be answered. “We are waiting earnestly for it to become reality so that our people can once again witness the fresh breath of peace,” he said.
Hope amid hardship
The visit has been widely seen as a significant moment of spiritual solidarity for a region still grappling with conflict and displacement. Religious leaders say the Pope’s presence has reinforced a shared commitment to healing and unity.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV warned against the misuse of religion for political or economic gain and called for a “true conversion” towards justice, fraternity, and sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to humanitarian workers, particularly women caring for those traumatized by violence, describing their efforts as both vital and often overlooked.
A call to action
For Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, the message is clear and echoes deeply, indicating that peace requires collective responsibility. “It is for us to work towards this,” he said. “We remain hopeful that God will answer our prayers.”
As white doves were released outside the cathedral by the Holy Father, signifying a symbol of peace, the pope urged the faithful to “walk together, in love, searching always for peace.”
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