Atanga Nji attended the Mass as the Special Envoy of the Head of State, underscoring Cameroon’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the Holy See and upholding the values of peace, dialogue, and interreligious cooperation.
Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, represented President Paul Biya at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Sunday May 18. The Minister led Cameroon’s official delegation to the ceremony, which drew a crowd of over 200,000 faithful from around the world, including numerous heads of state, government officials, religious dignitaries, and representatives of royal houses. Atanga Nji attended the Mass as the Special Envoy of the Head of State, underscoring Cameroon’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the Holy See and upholding the values of peace, dialogue, and interreligious cooperation.
According to reports, the ceremony began with Pope Leo XIV’s grand entrance into St. Peter’s Square, where he waved to the crowd from his popemobile before proceeding to the tomb of Saint Peter found beneath the basilica’s main altar, accompanied by patriarchs of the Eastern Churches. This symbolic gesture marked the start of his mission as the 267th successor of the Apostle Peter. In his first homily as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV focused on the core themes of love and unity, which he described as the spiritual foundation of his papacy.
Addressing a world marked by growing division, inequality, and conflict, he called on the global community to embrace compassion, reconciliation, and collective healing. “The Church must be a beacon of unity and a force for global peace,” the Pope said. “In love and unity, we find the strength to overcome the fear and fragmentation that threaten our shared humanity.” Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Holy Father extended brief audiences to the various official delegations in attendance.
Minister Atanga Nji conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Biya to the new Pope. Their encounter further reinforced the cordial relationship between Cameroon and the Vatican, built on decades of mutual respect and cooperation. Several prominent Cameroonian Catholic leaders were also present, including His Grace Andrew Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon; His Grace Samuel Kleda, Archbishop of Douala, His Lordship Michael Bibi, Bishop of Buea; and His Lordship Joseph-Marie Ndi-Okalla, Bishop of Mbalmayo. Their participation added spiritual weight to Cameroon’s delegation, reflecting the country’s vibrant Catholic presence and the unity between the state and the Church in championing peace and shared values.
Other notable dignitaries at the Mass included U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, President Dina Boluarte of Peru, and various European prime ministers and monarchs.
