28/02/2026
Popal Visit to Bamenda:
NW Governor Strategises Grand Welcome
The Governor of the North West Region,H. E Adolphe Lele Lafrique has, following the official announcement of Pope Leon XIV's visit to Cameroon by Civil Cabinet of the Presidency and the Vatican, chaired a crucial meeting in which committees were created and officially charged will the local organisation of the Pope's visit to Bamenda - North West Region.The meeting held in the MINEPAT Conference Hall, Bamenda on February 27, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting that assembled over150 key stakeholders involved in preparations ahead of the said visit, Governor Lele Lafrique mandated the various committees to begin work immediately in a bid to give the Pope a rousing welcome. This, laying emphasis on the Mobilisation and Communication Sub-committees.
The Governor further intimated that the Pope who is not just a spiritual leader but the Head of State of the Vatican, is expected to bring a message of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness to the population of North West Region.
Rev Father Victor Forgho, the representative of the Archbishop of the Bamenda Arch Diocese divulged that while in Bamenda, the Pope will hold a Pontifical Mass at the Bafut Airport. He further hinged the importance of the papal visit on the following, inter alia: spiritually, he re-echoed that his visit is expected to bring peace and reconciliation to the people as well as serve as a moment of pilgrimage to Catholic Christians who are required to go on pilgrimage to the Vatican at least once in their life time. Hence, the Pope's coming will provide a golden opportunity for Christians who have not been able to meet this holy requirement to commune with the Holy Father. Diplomatically, the Pope is also visiting Cameroon as the Head State of the Vatican.
On his part, the Mayor to the Bamenda City Council,Paul Achobong Tambeng affirmed Bamenda City,"the City of the Future"s readiness for the imminent Pontifical visit. He called on all other religious authorities not only the Catholics to mobilise their faithfuls for this historic event.
According to two separate press releases signed by the State of Cameroon and the State of the Vatican, Pope Leon XIV will visit Cameroon from April 15 -18, 2026. He is expected to visit three towns: Yaounde, Douala and Bamenda.
By Njike Celestine A.
RD MINCOM, North West