Pope’s visit in Douala Stakeholders: Evaluate Preparedness

The Holy See/Vatican security services, along with representatives of the Presidency, were accompanied by local authorities to the various sites in Douala on Saturday, April 11. 

As the days draw nearer to Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Douala, all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure a hitch-free event from the moment his plane touches down at Douala International Airport to his departure from the same airport. Stakeholders from the defence and security services, health authorities, and the Archdiocese of Douala have been working around the clock to guarantee that everything runs smoothly. On Saturday, April 11, the Vatican’s security team (Holy See/Vatican Security Service) and the Civil Cabinet from the Office of the President of the Republic of Cameroon, along with aeronautical authorities, defence and security forces, and a delegation from the Archdiocese of Douala led by His Lordship Samuel Kleda, Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua and their respective entourage, undertook an evaluation to the different sites to be visited by Pope Leo XIV. The first stop was the Douala International Airport, where details for the welcome ceremonies were presented. The Holy See/Vatican Security Service asked specific questions and received detailed answers and information. The delegation then proceeded to the esplanade of the Japoma Stadium. During the assessment along the itinerary, all details were reviewed, existing potholes were identified, and other security considerations were taken into account. At Japoma, where the pontifical mass will be held, the various delegations inspected installations and ongoing works to ensure readiness. The Military engineering service officials were also on hand to respond to questions and provide necessary clarifications. The convoy later moved to Saint Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala, where the Pope will also pay a visit. Hospital authorities took the team around to...