Mballa Mbella, the Minister of External Relations of Cameroon, visited the Apostolic Nunciature on April 24, 2024, to sign the condolence book. This follows the recent passing of Pope Francis I. This act additionally served as a formal gesture to express condolences to the Vatican delegation accredited to Cameroon.
Meeting with Apostolic Nuncio
Upon arrival at the Nunciature, Minister Mbella was received by the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop José A. Bettencourt. During the meeting, the minister acknowledged the late pope’s contributions, emphasising his humanitarian impact on a global scale.
The minister also highlighted the ongoing cooperative relationship between Cameroon and the Vatican. He referenced the planned official visit of His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, to Cameroon in November 2024. This visit is scheduled to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Framework Agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Cameroon.
Meanwhile, the Framework Agreement, established ten years prior, outlines the parameters of diplomatic and cooperative relations between the Holy See and Cameroon. It serves as a foundation for collaborative efforts across various sectors.
Pope Francis’s Passing
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The cause of death was officially recorded as a stroke, which led to a coma and subsequent cardiac arrest. Prior to his passing, Pope Francis had experienced health challenges, including a recent hospitalisation for a respiratory infection and double pneumonia.
According to his expressed wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This however, deviates from the tradition of popes being buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. His request was for a simple, underground tomb with the inscription “Franciscus.” The funeral itself will still be held in St. Peter’s Square.
