Presiding over the Mass in Yaoundé concluding his visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo encourages everyone to persevere in the peace of Christ, which is always with them to help them through life's tumult and tribulations.
Vatican News Presiding over the concluding Mass in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound gratitude for the welcome he recieved and the moments of joy and faith experienced together. Around two hundred thousand people gathered for the festive celebration, many camping out the night before, and hundreds of thsouands of others followed it in areas surrounding the venue. The celebration marked the culmination of the Pope's four day visit to Cameroon before heading to Angola, the next destination in his pastoral journey to Africa. In his homily given in French, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading recounting on how Jesus' disciples navigated the strong winds while crossing the lake of Tiberias with feelings of fear and doubt. The Pope recalled how the Church down through the ages has "navigated many storms and 'strong winds'", just as we must in our own lives. At times, life's tribulations can make us feel overcome by adverse forces, he acknowledged. Yet, we must always remember, he said, that "Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil" and "Jesus does not abandon us, just like he did not abandon the disciples on the Sea of Galilee." CLICK HERE TO READ THE POPE'S HOMILY Going forward with courage and trust The Pope said knowing Jesus never abandons us allows us to get up after every fall and not allow the storms of life to stop us. "We go forward always with courage and trust." While "faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations", we can be assured that Jesus is with us. "He does not immediately calm the storm, but comes to us in the midst of the danger, and invites us, in our joys and sorrows, to remain together with him, like the disciples, in the same boat." All in the same boat As Jesus is with us, we must also be close to those who are afraid and suffering, the Pope said, saying we must "draw near to them" and "embrace them" since "no one must be left alone to confront life’s adversities." This is why every community needs to create and support one another with mutual aid, especially "when faced with crises –– be they social, political, medical or economic –– everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs." “Do not be afraid” Jesus' exhortation “do not be afraid” is spoke to each one of us individually and as a community, the Pope explained, and it gives us encouragement to confront problems and challenges, especially related to poverty and justice, all together with a sense of common responsibility. Listening to the Holy Spirit, helping those in need The Pope recalled how the first disciples faced the challenges of sharing the faith and living in community, overwhelmed with the immense challenges that emerged. But they gathered together, discussed the issues, and then united in prayer to discern how best to share the Good News and be attentive to those suffering among them, assisting widows and orphans. Remembering the beautiful moments In conclusion, Pope Leo bid farewell to the congregation, recalling how everyone will return to their daily lives and "the Church continues on its course towards the final goal, thanks to the grace of God and the commitment of every person." He encouraged everyone to treasure and remember "the beautiful moments that we have experienced together alive in our hearts," and as we face life's difficulties to always "make space for Jesus, allowing him to enlighten and renew us every day by his presence."