Arabic version: البابا ليو الرابع عشر يجذب أكثر من 120,000 شخص للقداس في دوالا

More than 120,000 people have joined Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon for an open-air Mass, the biggest crowd so far during his 11-day Africa tour. The Pope’s arrival at Japoma Stadium was met with jubilation, as he waved to the crowds from his Popemobile.

According to BBC News, the Pope reiterated his message of peace during his visit, particularly after addressing the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone region the previous day. He also voiced concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that it contributes to societal issues such as polarization and violence.

The event saw worshippers of all ages, some having camped outside the premises on Thursday night for the chance to see the Pope. His message was centered on spiritual growth and community support, urging the youth to reject every form of abuse or violence that hinders societal progress.

During his visit, the Pope also toured St Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala and delivered a speech at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaounde, discussing the implications of AI on truth and reality. He criticized the exploitation of Africa’s resources, particularly in the context of the technology that drives the AI industry.

The Pope’s African tour, which began on Monday in Algeria, continues with stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea, highlighting his focus on the continent’s rapidly growing Catholic community.