PM Dion Ngute welcomes Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon.

The Head of State of Vatican, was received on behalf of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute.

The Holy Father was greeted to an enthusiastic welcome by thousands of Christians and a cross section of administrative and traditional authorities, alongside cultural groups. 

Also at the airport to receive the Holy Father and Head of the Catholic Church at the foot of the plane was the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Grace José Avelino Bettencourt.

Pope LEO XIV, who is the 260th successor of Saint Peter, was also welcomed by the national constituted corps; comprising administrative authorities, led by the Governor of the Centre Region, President of the Centre Regional Council, Yaounde City Mayor and other officials. 

Also present at the foot of the plane were college of clergy, from the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, NECC, led by its President, His Grace Andrew Nkea, as well as priests from the Yaounde Archdiocese, led by Yaounde Archbishop, His Grace Jean Mbarga. 

Before paying homage to both Vatican and Cameroon national anthems, the Pope was handed a bouquet of flower, by two young Cameroonian kids.

“Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Mrs Chantal Biya his wife, and the people of Cameroon, wish you a warm welcome and a pleasant stay in Cameroon,” one of the young kids said, before handing the bouquet of flower to the Holy Father. 

The Pope’s welcome at the airport was punctuated by high-level military honours, reflecting his personality. They were a detachment from the Presidential Guard.

The honours accorded the Holy Father was also reflective of the state of relations between Cameroon and the Vatican. 

After greeting the national constituted corps and exchanging pleasantries with the college of clergy, Pope Leo XIV was then led to the VIP lounge of the airport.

While there, he and the Prime Minister had a brief tête à tête, during which, PM Dion Ngute is believed too have conveyed to him Cameroon’s message of peace, unity, and continued cooperation between Cameroon and the Holy See.

Before departing the airport for the Unity Palace, in the company of the Yaounde Archbishop, His Grace Jean Mbarga, the Pope also greeted few off the thousands who lined up the streets of Yaounde, to receive and catch a glimpse of their August guest.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3762 of Thursday April 16, 2026