The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt explains the importance and significance of the pope's visit to the two countries.

It is news that has set church bells ringing, classrooms buzzing, and hearts vibrating: Cameroon is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV.

The Apostolic Nunciature has officially announced that, responding to invitations from Heads of State and local Ecclesiastical Authorities, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will undertake a significant Apostolic Journey to Africa this April.

The Catholic Church in Cameroon officially took root on December 8, 1890, during a Mass celebrated in Marienberg by Pallottine missionaries led by Henri Vieter. On that day, they consecrated the country to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles.

The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV’s Message for Lent 2026: “Listening and Fasting. Lent as a Time of Conversion”

The Appointment of Auxiliary Bishop John BERINYUY TATA

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed the Rev. John BERINYUY TATA as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon.

Apostolic Nunciature in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea News January 26th 2026

The Head of State, S. E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, on Friday 23rd January, met with members of the Episcopal Conference. The purpose of this meeting has been to coordinate preparations for a historic occasion: the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

CHARLES EBUNE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO CAMEROON

THE 49th ANNUAL SEMINAR OF CAMEROON BISHOP’S HELD IN KUMBA 2026(Recap)

Le 49ème Séminaire annuel des évêques du Cameroun s’est clôturé le 10 janvier 2026. En quittant Kumba, les évêques ont réaffirmé leur engagement à promouvoir la communion et la collégialité au sein de la Conférence épiscopale nationale du Cameroun, pour une meilleure organisation et coordination de la pastorale d'ensemble, et pour mieux guider les fidèles.

Meeting members of the Diplomatic Corps, Pope Leo XIV warns that human rights and freedoms are under strain as diplomacy gives way to the logic of power and war.

«La paix est recherchée par les armes comme condition pour affirmer sa propre domination. Et cela menace gravement l'État de droit, qui est le fondement de toute coexistence civile pacifique», a déploré Léon XIV vendredi 9 janvier, s’adressant au Corps diplomatique accrédité près le Saint-Siège depuis la salle des Bénédictions. Recevant les ambassadeurs, le Pape a partagé une réflexion sur notre époque, «si troublée par la multiplication des tensions et des conflits»

Les évêques du Cameroun tiennent leur 49ᵉ Séminaire annuel à Kumba, dans la région du Sud-Ouest, du 3 au 10 janvier 2026. Placée sous le thème « Communion et collégialité », cette rencontre rassemble l’ensemble de l’épiscopat camerounais pour des échanges spirituels et pastoraux, dans un contexte marqué par des défis socioéconomiques dans le pays et les séquelles de la crise sociopolitique dans les régions anglophones.

“Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”

Le 24 et le 25 décembre, la cathédrale Sainte-Anne de Yagoua a accueilli une célébration de la Nativité marquée par un fort message de paix et de cohésion sociale lancé par le Nonce Apostolique au Cameroun et en Guinée Equatoriale, S.E. Monseigneur José Avelino Bettencourt.

Oliga, December 20, 2025 – The Parish of Saint Raphael and Saint Tobi in Oliga experienced a day of grace and deep communion on the occasion of the diaconal ordination of eight Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, through the laying of hands by His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

On Wednesday, December 17, the Apostolic Nunciature in Yaoundé once again fulfilled its role by welcoming "Les Gourmettes de Yaoundé," a platform designed for exchange and interaction among individuals from diverse backgrounds who aim to assist children and women in vulnerable situations and support charitable organizations in Cameroon.

Le diocèse de Nkongsamba a officiellement lancé du 4 au 6 décembre dernier, les célébrations marquant le 70ᵉ anniversaire de son érection canonique, à l’occasion d’une visite historique du nonce apostolique au Cameroun. Mgr José Avelino Bettencourt a salué la contribution des autorités locales à la paix et à la cohésion sociale.

On November 19, 2025, His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, delivered a speech at an international conference held at the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC) in partnership with UNICEF, which centered on the theme "Children's Rights in African Academia: Towards a New Partnership for Research, Training, and Advocacy."

The Apostolic Nuncio emphasized the sacredness of children as gifts and the responsibilities of the Catholic Church. He highlighted the vital role of Catholic universities in the advocacy and protection of children's rights.