Pope Leo XIV celebrated a Mass at Douala’s Japoma Stadium on Friday, drawing more than 120,000 worshippers.

The gathering matters because Cameroon is still reeling from deadly post‑vote protests; the Pope used the platform to call for peace and to spotlight material and spiritual poverty affecting millions [1][4].

Japoma Stadium, a 60,000‑seat venue, was packed beyond capacity as organizers estimated attendance at over 120,000, according to France 24 [1]. CNN put the figure at more than 100,000 people [2], while CBS reported “over 100,000 worshippers” [3]. An earlier France 24 preview had warned that “hundreds of thousands” were expected [5].

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV said, "Reject violence despite the \"material and spiritual poverty\" afflicting many in the country." The Pope’s message was aimed at a nation still mourning the loss of protestors killed after the disputed presidential election [1][4].

The Mass featured a procession of clergy, a choir of local singers, and a moment of silence for the victims of the recent unrest. Security forces deployed around the stadium, and health officials set up stations to monitor the crowd for COVID‑19 symptoms.

Local officials said the event demonstrated Cameroon’s religious unity despite political divisions. The government hopes the Pope’s appeal will encourage dialogue and reduce the risk of further violence.

Observers said that the massive turnout underscores the Catholic Church’s influence in Central Africa, where more than half the population identifies as Catholic. The Pope’s visit is part of a broader African tour that includes stops in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What this means: The unprecedented attendance signals both the Pope’s drawing power and the deep yearning for stability in Cameroon. By coupling a call for non‑violence with an appeal to address poverty, the Vatican aims to shape public discourse and pressure leaders toward reconciliation.

“Reject violence despite the "material and spiritual poverty" afflicting many in the country.”

The unprecedented attendance signals both the Pope’s drawing power and the deep yearning for stability in Cameroon. By coupling a call for non‑violence with an appeal to address poverty, the Vatican aims to shape public discourse and pressure leaders toward reconciliation.