Cardinal Parolin visits Cameroon as sign of Pope’s care for Africa

By Vatican News

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin arrives in Cameroon Thursday, 28 January, and his visit lasts until 3 February.

He is accompanied by Msgr. Ivan Santus, an official with the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State.

Sign of Pope’s care and concern

The visit is meant to show—once again and in the context of the current humanitarian emergency caused by the pandemic—the attention of the Church and Pope Francis for the African continent, a land rich in humanity but marked by great suffering.

It is also intended as a concrete sign of “common, supportive, and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to show care and compassion, to work for reconciliation and healing, and to advance mutual respect and acceptance.”

The Pope called for this expression of concern in his message for the 54th World Day of Peace, celebrated on 1 January 2021, which was entitled: “A culture of care as a path to peace”.

Civil and Church appointments

Meetings with the country’s authorities are planned, as well as various religious appointments.

Cardinal Parolin will celebrate the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Bamenda, during which he will impose the pallium on the Archbishop of the Diocese, Andrew Nkea Fuanya.

The Vatican Secretary of State will also visit the “Household of Hope” in Yaoundé.

The center was founded 40 years ago by Jesuit Father Yves Lescanne to provide assistance for street children and young prisoners.