Yaounde: Pope Leo XIV left Cameroon on Saturday afternoon, marking the end of the second leg of his third apostolic journey in Africa. The Pope departed from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport after a farewell ceremony attended by government and Church leaders.
Earlier in the day, a large crowd of more than 200,000 faithful gathered to take part in the concluding Mass, showing strong support and joy during his visit. The Pope then proceeded to the airport, where he was officially seen off by Joseph Dion Ngute.
During the ceremony, both leaders stood together for the national anthems before walking along a red carpet lined with a guard of honor. They greeted various authorities present before Pope boarded his flight.
The papal plane took off at 12:47 p.m. local time, heading to Luanda, where he is expected to arrive after a journey of about two and a half hours. Angola is the third stop on his African tour.
Pope Leo will stay in Angola until April 21. His visit carries the message of hope, reconciliation and peace, reflected in the journey’s motto.
Soon after arriving, Pope is scheduled to meet João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. He will also take part in meetings with political leaders, religious representatives, business figures and members of civil society.
After Angola, Pope will travel to Equatorial Guinea, where he will conclude his apostolic journey.