On the fifth day of his Apostolic Journey across Africa, Pope Leo XIV turned his focus to urgent issues of hunger, poverty, and what he described as a growing sense of “holy restlessness” among young people in Cameroon, while also making a significant pastoral stop at a local hospital.
Celebrating Mass in Douala before an estimated 120,000 faithful, the Pope reflected on the Gospel story of the feeding of the five thousand. He said the miracle was not only about divine intervention but also about human sharing, stressing that “there is bread for everyone if it is given to everyone.” He urged societies to respond collectively to widespread food insecurity, noting that many families in Cameroon continue to struggle with daily hunger and economic hardship.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo made a private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala, where he met patients, prayed at their bedside, and offered blessings to the sick, including children and the elderly. The visit was described as a moment of deep closeness and compassion, highlighting the Church’s mission to stand with the vulnerable and suffering.
Later in Yaoundé, the Pope addressed students at the Catholic University of Central Africa, encouraging them to embrace a “holy restlessness”—an inner drive to seek truth, justice, and social transformation. He warned against apathy and indifference, calling instead for active engagement in addressing societal challenges.
Throughout the day, his message consistently linked faith with practical action, urging leaders and citizens to confront corruption, inequality, and hunger. He emphasised that development must be rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility.
The visit, which forms part of his broader Africa tour, continues to highlight issues of poverty, healthcare, and youth empowerment across the continent.