Pope Leo XIV's Africa Tour: Mass in Cameroon, Angola Slave Trade Chapel Visit
Pope Leo XIV continued his African tour, celebrating Mass before more than 120,000 people at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, calling on the faithful to reject violence and be 'architects of peace.' The Pope also visited a Catholic chapel in Angola historically connected to the slave trade, seen as symbolically significant given the pontiff's own complex heritage regarding race. The visit includes a shrine where enslaved Africans were baptized before being forced into the transatlantic voyage.
Key Facts
- 1More than 120,000 cheering Catholics attended Pope Leo XIV's Mass at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon — the biggest event of his four-nation Africa tour
- 2The Pope implored the faithful to be 'architects of peace' and to reject the 'deceit of violence and abuse'
- 3The Pope visited a Catholic chapel in Angola linked to the slave trade, seen as symbolically significant given his complex heritage
- 4The visit includes a shrine where enslaved Africans were baptized before being forced into the transatlantic voyage
- 5Heavy security was in place, with some believers sleeping overnight outside Japoma Stadium ahead of the event
Coverage
Covered by French, US, German, and international wire services, reflecting both religious and historical significance.
Sources (7)
In Angola, Pope Leo XIV Faces the Legacy of Slavery
The New York Times · 38d ago
Pope Leo XIV's visit to an African church linked to slavery reflects on his own complex heritage
The Independent · 38d ago
Pope Leo XIV's visit to an African church linked to slavery reflects on his own complex heritage
AP News · 38d ago
Day 5 of Pope's African tour
France24 · 38d ago
Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at mass that draws 120,000 people
South China Morning Post · 38d ago
Pope Leo XIV leads massive mass in Douala
France24 · 38d ago
Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon's faithful — 'reject violence'
DW · 38d ago