Lukong Pius Nyuylime
18 March 2009
The Holy See was received in total ecstasy yesterday at Nsimalen at the start of his maiden visit to Africa.
All that it takes to render a ceremony solemn was available at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport yesterday when thousands of people answered present to give Pope Benedict XVI a befitting welcome. Even the clouds above the airport had their own story to tell about the visit, as they gathered in one big heap with the sun sending its rays to several directions in what looked like an artistically designed arena. Some likened this to the biblical story of the message that came from heaven after Christ was baptized in River Jordan.
All went as programmed with the Pope's "Italia 777-200" plane touching down at exactly 3:40 pm and taxing to a complete halt at 4:07 pm. The Apostolic Nuncio, Eliseo Antonio Ariotti, the Pope's representative to Cameroon, the president of the Cameroon Episcopal Conference, Mgr Tonye Bakot, Christian Cardinal Tume and others waited at the foot of the plane as the Presidential couple, Paul Biya and Wife, Chantal Biya welcomed the Pope as he alighted from the plane.
In very strict diplomatic style, the Pope and the Head of State moved to the tribune for the singing of the Anthems of the Vatican and the Republic of Cameroon. This was immediately followed by the inspection of the guard of honour and the introduction of representatives of the national and diplomatic corps as well as those of the major religious groups in Cameroon.
The anxiety of seeing the Pope notwithstanding, all ears were directed towards the podium to listen to what both President Biya and Pope Benedict XVI would say.
In all, it was a message of peace and hope for both orators. The Pope in his speech covered a wide spectrum of activities in the African continent which he prayed for and asked for everyone to do same. "In the face of suffering, violence, poverty, hunger, corruption and abuse of power, a Christian can never remain silent", he said, stating that the message needs to be made loud and clear. The Holy See particularly hailed Cameroon for the promotion of peace as epitomised in the settling of the conflict at the Bakassi peninsula. "The resolution of the problem is a clear message to the World that patient diplomacy can produce good results", he said. The Pope said, he is dedicating his pastoral visit to the sick and called for the free treatment of AIDS patients.
The Head of State, President Paul Biya on his part, recalled his frequent condemnation of the fact that the African continent "continues to be torn by socio-political divisions and ethnic conflicts". "Cameroon has always supported the reconciliation initiatives of international organizations and lent its support when ever approached", he said, stating that in spite of Cameroon's ethnic diversity, the country has not suffered from such excesses.
President Biya questioned why one should fail to subscribe to the call by the Church for more justice for African populations, which he said, are being decimated by pandemics, misery and hunger among others. He assured the Pontiff of Cameroon's foreign policy which is based on the quest for peace. "We are aware that without peace, all our efforts towards improving the plight of our people will be futile", he said.
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