Pope Leo XIV meets with religious superiors in Cameroon

Upon his return to the Apostolic Nunciature, Pope Leo XIV met with representatives of Cameroon’s major superiors and religious congregations, urging religious men and women to live a consecrated life in communion with the dioceses where they serve and in service to those most in need.

Pope Leo XIV held a meeting on Friday evening with a group of nine consecrated religious individuals representing the National Conference of Major Superiors and over 250 religious institutes and congregations active in Cameroon. The Holy See Press Office reported that the Pope listened to their expressions of gratitude for his visit to the country, his speeches, and their accounts of their commitment and witness in difficult situations in Cameroon, particularly among young people, the displaced, victims of violence, and victims of human trafficking.

The religious superiors highlighted the importance of increased collaboration with Bishops and diocesan priests, as well as addressed questions about religious identity emerging within their congregations. Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for the meeting and emphasized that consecrated life is crucial for the Church.

He further discussed the vital relationship between consecrated life, Bishops, and diocesan clergy and mentioned the need to recognize and promote the different charisms of congregations in every diocese. The Pope emphasized the importance of formation in consecrated life, individual charisms of each congregation, and shared discernment for preparing candidates for a life of sacrifice, selflessness, and service within the community.

Pope Leo also acknowledged certain challenges such as coexistence among people of different faiths, pastoral care of young people, and stressed the reflection required within each institute or community to serve the Church effectively at all levels.

Regarding his speeches during the visit, Pope Leo encouraged attendees to remember and reflect on the visit’s message to address current challenges effectively. He concluded by urging courage in living a life of consecration and service as disciples of Jesus.

At the meeting’s end, Pope Leo XIV blessed those present, prayed the Our Father with them, and greeted each one individually.