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Cameroon, a Central African nation, spans 475,440 km² and is known for its cultural diversity and varied geography, from coastal plains to volcanic highlands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> With a population of approximately 29 million, its official languages are [[French]] and [[English]], reflecting its colonial history, and its economy relies on agriculture, oil, and timber, with a GDP per capita of about $1,700 (2023 estimate).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The [[Catholic Church]] is a major religious force, with about 7 million Catholics (approximately 26% of the population) as of 2023, shaping the nation’s culture, education, and social initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>  
'''Cameroon''', a Central [[African]] nation, spans 475,440 km² and is known for its cultural diversity and varied geography, from coastal plains to volcanic highlands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> With a population of approximately 29 million, its official languages are [[French]] and [[English]], reflecting its colonial history, and its economy relies on agriculture, oil, and timber, with a GDP per capita of about $1,700 (2023 estimate).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cameroon/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The [[Catholic Church]] is a major religious force, with about 7 million Catholics (approximately 26% of the population) as of 2023, shaping the nation’s culture, education, and social initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>  


Catholicism was introduced in 1890 by [[Pallottine]] missionaries, establishing missions in [[Douala]] and [[Yaoundé]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Catholic Church in Cameroon: A Historical Overview |author=Ngala, J. |publisher=African Studies Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-9780234567}}</ref> The [[w:Basilica of Our Lady of Victories|Basilica of Our Lady of Victories]] in Yaoundé is a key pilgrimage site, drawing thousands annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Despite challenges like evangelical growth, secularization, and regional conflicts, the Church remains influential, advocating for peace amid the 2025 elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Figures like [[Venerable Simon Mpeke]] (Baba Simon), declared venerable in 2023, inspire local devotion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
Catholicism was introduced in 1890 by [[Pallottine]] missionaries, establishing missions in [[Douala]] and [[Yaoundé]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Catholic Church in Cameroon: A Historical Overview |author=Ngala, J. |publisher=African Studies Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-9780234567}}</ref> The [[w:Basilica of Our Lady of Victories|Basilica of Our Lady of Victories]] in Yaoundé is a key pilgrimage site, drawing thousands annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Despite challenges like evangelical growth, secularization, and regional conflicts, the Church remains influential, advocating for peace amid the 2025 elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Figures like [[Venerable Simon Mpeke]] (Baba Simon), declared venerable in 2023, inspire local devotion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
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* [[Diocese of Yokadouma]] (Yokadouma, East Region)
* [[Diocese of Yokadouma]] (Yokadouma, East Region)


== Cultural Practices ==
== Cultural practices ==


Cameroonian Catholics blend [[Christianity]] with indigenous traditions, celebrating feasts like the [[Assumption of Mary]] with vibrant processions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Devotion to the [[Virgin Mary]] is widespread, often incorporating local music and dance. The [[Rosary]] and [[Eucharist]] are central to parish life, while festivals like Christmas merge Catholic and cultural elements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christianity In Cameroon |url=https://thewitness.org/christianity-in-cameroon/ |publisher=The Witness |date=2025-02-22 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> These practices reflect Cameroon’s syncretic heritage, though tensions arise when Church practices are seen as undermining traditional customs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Communities in Cameroon say Church ‘desecrating’ culture – but priest disagrees |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2024/08/communities-cameroon-say-church-desecrating-culture |publisher=Crux |date=2024-08-09 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
Cameroonian Catholics blend [[Christianity]] with indigenous traditions, celebrating feasts like the [[Assumption of Mary]] with vibrant processions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Devotion to the [[Virgin Mary]] is widespread, often incorporating local music and dance. The [[Rosary]] and [[Eucharist]] are central to parish life, while festivals like Christmas merge Catholic and cultural elements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christianity In Cameroon |url=https://thewitness.org/christianity-in-cameroon/ |publisher=The Witness |date=2025-02-22 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> These practices reflect Cameroon’s syncretic heritage, though tensions arise when Church practices are seen as undermining traditional customs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Communities in Cameroon say Church ‘desecrating’ culture – but priest disagrees |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2024/08/communities-cameroon-say-church-desecrating-culture |publisher=Crux |date=2024-08-09 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
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The Catholic Church faces challenges from evangelical growth, which appeals to youth, and secularization in urban areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Regional conflicts, such as the Anglophone crisis and Boko Haram in the Far North, threaten Church activities, with incidents like the 2024 killing of Father Christophe in Yagoua.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Father Christophe, a Catholic priest of the Yagoua diocese in Cameroon, has been killed |url=https://t.co/XdtrOeSyay |publisher=X |date=2024-10-12 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Desecration of churches, like the 2025 robbery in Bafang, highlights security issues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon bishop calls for reparations as sacred Items are stolen from chapel |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/cameroon-bishop-calls-reparations-sacred-items-stolen |publisher=Crux |date=2025-03-28 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The Church responds with youth programs and peace advocacy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholics mark National Youth Day in Yaoundé, Cameroon |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/02/catholics-mark-national-youth-day-yaounde-cameroon |publisher=Crux |date=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
The Catholic Church faces challenges from evangelical growth, which appeals to youth, and secularization in urban areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Regional conflicts, such as the Anglophone crisis and Boko Haram in the Far North, threaten Church activities, with incidents like the 2024 killing of Father Christophe in Yagoua.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Father Christophe, a Catholic priest of the Yagoua diocese in Cameroon, has been killed |url=https://t.co/XdtrOeSyay |publisher=X |date=2024-10-12 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Desecration of churches, like the 2025 robbery in Bafang, highlights security issues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon bishop calls for reparations as sacred Items are stolen from chapel |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/cameroon-bishop-calls-reparations-sacred-items-stolen |publisher=Crux |date=2025-03-28 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The Church responds with youth programs and peace advocacy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholics mark National Youth Day in Yaoundé, Cameroon |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/02/catholics-mark-national-youth-day-yaounde-cameroon |publisher=Crux |date=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>


== Social and Political Influence ==
== Social and political influence ==


The Church influences society through [[Catholic Social Teaching]], addressing human trafficking, poverty, and education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon, Catholic Church says |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/human-trafficking-rising-problem-cameroon-catholic-church |publisher=Crux |date=2025-03-13 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> It runs [[Caritas Internationalis]] programs and supports justice via the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAMEROON: Catholic Bishops Urge High Voter Turnout amid Electoral Transparency Concerns |url=https://cisanewsafrica.com/cameroon-catholic-bishops-urge-high-voter-turnout-amid-electoral-transparency-concerns/ |publisher=CISA News Africa |date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Politically, bishops urge civic engagement for the 2025 elections, calling for President Biya’s retirement to foster change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The Church navigates cultural tensions, balancing evangelization with respect for traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tensions rise between Catholic Church and traditional rulers in West region |url=https://cameroonnewsagency.com/tensions-rise-between-catholic-church-and-traditional-rulers-in-west-region/ |publisher=Cameroon News Agency |date=2024-07-05 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>
The Church influences society through [[Catholic Social Teaching]], addressing human trafficking, poverty, and education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon, Catholic Church says |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2025/03/human-trafficking-rising-problem-cameroon-catholic-church |publisher=Crux |date=2025-03-13 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> It runs [[Caritas Internationalis]] programs and supports justice via the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAMEROON: Catholic Bishops Urge High Voter Turnout amid Electoral Transparency Concerns |url=https://cisanewsafrica.com/cameroon-catholic-bishops-urge-high-voter-turnout-amid-electoral-transparency-concerns/ |publisher=CISA News Africa |date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Politically, bishops urge civic engagement for the 2025 elections, calling for President Biya’s retirement to foster change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon: Catholic Bishops urge President Biya to step aside ahead of October elections |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-01/cameroon-bishops-urge-biya-step-aside-elections.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The Church navigates cultural tensions, balancing evangelization with respect for traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tensions rise between Catholic Church and traditional rulers in West region |url=https://cameroonnewsagency.com/tensions-rise-between-catholic-church-and-traditional-rulers-in-west-region/ |publisher=Cameroon News Agency |date=2024-07-05 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>


== Pilgrimage Sites ==
== Pilgrimage sites ==


The [[w:Basilica of Our Lady of Victories|Basilica of Our Lady of Victories]] in [[Yaoundé]] is Cameroon’s primary Catholic pilgrimage site, known for its architecture and vibrant celebrations, attracting thousands annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The [[w:Mary Queen of Apostles Basilica|Mary Queen of Apostles Basilica]] in [[Bamenda]] draws pilgrims, especially during the [[Jubilee Year 2025]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basilicas, churches and shrines across US are Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage sites |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/basilicas-churches-and-shrines-across-us-are-jubilee-2025-pilgrimage-sites |publisher=National Catholic Reporter |date=2025-02-18 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Smaller shrines, like those dedicated to [[Venerable Simon Mpeke]], foster local devotion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Pilgrimages often combine spiritual and cultural elements, reinforcing Catholic identity.
The [[w:Basilica of Our Lady of Victories|Basilica of Our Lady of Victories]] in [[Yaoundé]] is Cameroon’s primary Catholic pilgrimage site, known for its architecture and vibrant celebrations, attracting thousands annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What religion are Cameroonians? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-religion-are-cameroonians/ |publisher=Geographic Pedia |date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> The [[w:Mary Queen of Apostles Basilica|Mary Queen of Apostles Basilica]] in [[Bamenda]] draws pilgrims, especially during the [[Jubilee Year 2025]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basilicas, churches and shrines across US are Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage sites |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/basilicas-churches-and-shrines-across-us-are-jubilee-2025-pilgrimage-sites |publisher=National Catholic Reporter |date=2025-02-18 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Smaller shrines, like those dedicated to [[Venerable Simon Mpeke]], foster local devotion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Cameroon |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cameroon |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-04-29 |access-date=2025-05-10}}</ref> Pilgrimages often combine spiritual and cultural elements, reinforcing Catholic identity.
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