By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Pope Leo XIV on Saturday April 18 urged Cameroonians to confront life’s storms with courage and solidarity, drawing on the biblical account of Jesus walking on water to assure the faithful that Christ remains present amid personal and societal challenges.
The final mass in Yaoundé was attended by President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya, who were accompanied by a host of government officials and diplomats. The pontiff delivered the message during a final Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, marking the conclusion of his four-day apostolic visit to Cameroon. Thousands gathered for the outdoor celebration as the pope prepared to depart for the next leg of his African journey.
In his homily, Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel reading from St. John, in which Jesus approaches his terrified disciples on a stormy sea at night and declares, “It is I; do not be afraid.” He noted that the evangelists each emphasize different aspects of the miracle, but all convey reassurance that Jesus does not abandon his followers in times of fear or danger.
“Faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations,” the pope said. “At times, it can seem that fear has the upper hand. However, we know that even in these moments, Jesus does not abandon us.”
He compared the Church’s historical trials to the disciples’ struggle on the Sea of Galilee, where strong winds battered their boat. Jesus, the pope observed, does not always immediately calm the storm but enters into the danger with his people, inviting them to remain united in the same “boat.”
Pope Leo XIV extended the lesson to social and political spheres, calling for communal responses to crises involving poverty, injustice and inequality. He referenced the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes how the early Church resolved tensions over the distribution of aid to the poor by appointing deacons “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”
The passage, he said, shows that growth brings new challenges, but prayerful discernment and shared responsibility can transform crises into opportunities for stronger community structures. Isolated individual efforts are insufficient, he added; what is needed is a collective commitment that weaves Gospel values into institutions serving the common good rather than self-interest.
“Every community has the obligation to create and sustain structures of solidarity and mutual aid,” the pope said, stressing that no one should face adversity alone. He highlighted the dignity of every person, regardless of social status, and echoed his predecessor Pope Francis in praising ordinary believers who carry forward their faith, families and work with strength.
The homily also touched on the symbolic meaning of water in Jewish tradition — evoking both chaos and divine liberation, as in the Exodus story — to underscore God’s power over forces of evil and death.
Pope Leo XIV however, expressed gratitude to Cameroon’s bishops, civil authorities, organizers and especially the sick, elderly and nuns who supported the visit through prayer. He thanked the people of Cameroon for their warm welcome and the moments of shared faith.
“People of God living and journeying in Cameroon, do not be afraid!” he said in his final words. “Remain firmly united to Christ our Lord! With the power of his Spirit, you will be the salt and light of this land!”
The pope described the Church in Cameroon as “alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony.” Invoking the Virgin Mary, he encouraged the faithful to let life’s “strong winds” foster growth through sharing, listening, prayer and mutual support.
The visit, which included stops in other cities such as Douala and Bamenda, comes as Cameroon grapples with ongoing challenges, including regional tensions and issues of poverty and justice. Leo XIV’s messages throughout the trip have emphasized peace, reconciliation and care for the vulnerable. The Mass preceded a formal farewell at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport before the pope’s departure.
