At mass in Y’de: Pope advocates solidarity, mutual aid as panacea to societal challenges.

This was during his last of three masses that punctuated his visits to Bamenda, Douala and Yaounde during his four-day apostolic journey to the country.

The mass which took place at the 101 Airbase was attended by the Head of State President Paul Biya, members of government, members of the diplomatic corps and thousands of catholic faithful.  He reminded the audience that, the Church of Jesus Christ is not new to challenges but said, even in the face of doubt and fear, God is present and capable of seeing communities through them.

Citing the times of the early church with Jesus’ disciples facing challenges, the Pope sent across a message of assurance to the body of Christ in Cameroon. 

“We too can identify with the feelings of fear and doubt experienced by the disciples while crossing the lake of Tiberias. Such is our experience in moments when we seem to be sinking, overcome by adverse forces, when everything appears bleak and we feel alone and weak,” he said. 

The leader of the Catholic church noted that situations don’t look as bad as they are, remarking that: “…Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil. In every storm, he comes to us and repeats: “I am here with you: do not be afraid’”.

He told God’s people not to give up irrespective of the “tempest”, urging them to summon courage and trust to forge ahead, “...not allowing ourselves to be stopped by any tempest. Rather we go forward always with courage and trust”.

The  Vicar of Christ reiterated that, Christ 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. 

The Holy Father said irrespective of riches and how poor  people may think  they are, no one should be left alone to face the woes of life. In this light, he said “…every community has the obligation to create and sustain structures of solidarity and mutual aid in which, when faced with crises –– be they social, political, medical or economic –– everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs”.

The contribution of everyone, he stated remains vital in the process irrespective of position and status in society. Faith in God, he insisted, does not separate the spiritual from societal challenges. The Pope underscored the need for civic and civil responsibility.

Faith, he declared, “…gives Christians the strength to interact with the world, responding to the needs of others, especially the weakest,” indicating that, individual initiatives are can fully turn situations around for a community.

The Pope noted that, “…what is needed is a communal commitment, which integrates the spiritual and moral dimensions of the Gospel in the heart of local institutions and structures, making them instruments for the common good, and not places of conflict, self-interest or sterile struggles”.

‘Keep our good memories alive’

Before ending his Homily, the Pope appealed for the good memories of his visit to stay alive. As Cameroonians return to their lives after the apostolic visit, the Pope said:  “…Let us keep the memory of the beautiful moments that we have experienced together alive in our hearts”.

He reiterated that, “even in the midst of difficulties, let us continue to make space for Jesus, allowing him to enlighten and renew us every day by his presence”.

‘The Church in Cameroon is alive’

Beyond the interactions across the areas visited, the Pope resoundingly declared that the: “Church in Cameroon is alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony”.

While praying for the joy of citizens to “ continue to blossom, “ the Pope also declared that, “ may the strong winds, which are never lacking in life, be an occasion for growth in the joyful service of God and your brothers and sisters through sharing, listening, praying and the desire to grow together”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3766 of Monday April 20, 2026