20/04/2026
🌟The Pope Resonates with the Scouting Movement as He Brings Message of Peace to Bamenda!🌟
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Bamenda town in the Northwest Region of Cameroon witnessed the maiden visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church and a messenger of peace. Among the distinguished personalities who made their way to the Cathedral in Bamenda to witness this landmark event was Professor Wilfred Mbacham, President and Founder of the Fobang Institutes for Innovations in Science and Technology (FINISTECH), who also serves as the President of the Cameroon National Scout Council.
The Pope’s visit was far more than a religious ceremony as it brought together Christians and Muslims from Bamenda and across the country for a holy mass as a means of communing with the children of the Almighty God. The atmosphere was one of reverence, hope, and togetherness transcending faith and background. As a town greatly affected by the socio-political unrest in Anglophone Cameroon for over 9 years now, one of the most symbolic moments of the occasion was the release of doves, a timeless gesture representing peace that attributes to the spirit of the Pope’s mission.
Representing the Cameroon National Scout Council, Professor Mbacham proudly led a delegation of ten Scouts including men and women who were present to honour and participate in this historic event of peace and reconciliation.
Reflecting on the experience, President Mbacham was clear about what left the deepest impression on him. “What stood out for me during this visit is that peace belongs to all faiths, and we must unite to seek it. Unity is not uniformity; it is dialogue, service, and walking together despite our differences.” he said.
Drawing a direct connection between the Pope’s message and the Scout movement’s core values, Professor Mbacham reaffirmed the principles that guide their mission. “As Scouts, we uphold the values of service to God, service to others, and service that leaves every nation better than we found it,” he stated.
Professor Mbacham firmly believes that the Pope’s holy visit and the profound words delivered during this occasion will go a long way in strengthening the Scout Council’s mission that is rooted in service to God, to the people, and to the Nation at large.
