The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buea, Michael Bibi, says he is optimistic that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV will bring peace to the world.
Talking to Mount Cameroon FM in Buea on Friday, Bishop Bibi said he was happy that the new Pope’s first message was about peace.
“The whole world needs peace, and in the context of our country, we need peace,” Bishop Bibi said.
The Bishop was reacting following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as leader of the 1.5 billion Catholics in the world. He is the first Pope from the United States of America.
The new Pope replaces Argentina-born Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The election of the Pope coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Buea, celebrated on May 7 while 133 Cardinals sat in Conclave to elect a new Pope.
“As an individual and Bishop, I see it as a big blessing for Buea Diocese. That is a big one for us in Buea as the election comes just a day after the celebration for the anniversary,” Bishop Bibi said.
“Our prayer and wish is that he guide the Christians to see through and the entire people of the world so that together we may be able to leave the way God wants,” he added.
The Bishop appreciated and saluted the swift rise of Pope Leo XIV to the topmost position at the Vatican, having been made Cardinal in 2023.
The new pope took on the role of bishop in 2017, and three years later, Michael Bibi received his appointment as bishop of Buea.
In 2023, Pope Leo XIV became a Cardinal, and just after two years, he ascended to the highest rank of leadership in the Catholic Church.
“Square Spec In A Square Hole”
The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea, said the new Pope is a square peg in a square hole.
Talking to the state broadcaster CRTV, he said he has worked with the new Pope and knows him personally.
Pope Leo XIV is the right man for the job, according to Andrew Nkea, who is the President of the Cameroon Episcopal Conference.
