“A gesture that touches me”: Vatican Official on Honorary Doctorate at Catholic University in Cameroon

Archbishop Gallagher highlighted the Church’s contributions to the establishment of universities and its engagement with justice and human rights.

In his lecture, Archbishop Gallagher traced the Holy See’s growing diplomatic engagement in Africa, beginning with the establishment of apostolic delegations in 1960 and subsequent agreements with African states. 

He lauded the evolution of these agreements into a “new generation” that he said reflects the sovereign status of African nations and their religious pluralism.

“In line with this dynamic, the number of papal representatives has increased considerably, to such an extent that today the Holy See's diplomatic network in Africa is the largest compared to that of any other state,” Archbishop Gallagher said.

He added, “To date, 51 out of the 54 states in Africa maintain stable diplomatic relations with the Holy See. For a number of years now, the diplomacy of the Holy See has been involved in a renewed drive to conclude agreements with African states.”

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The five-day visit of the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations to Cameroon set was to mark the 10th anniversary of the Framework Agreement between the Holy See and Cameroon signed in January 2014.

In his November 16 homily marking the anniversary celebration, Archbishop Gallagher underscored the collaboration between Church and State for the benefit of the Cameroonian people.

“The Church and the political community are called to healthy collaboration seeking the good of all while respecting the dignity of each individual,” the Archbishop said.

He added, “The Church cannot fulfill this mission without the freedom guaranteed by the State.”

Reflecting on the ongoing socio-political crises in Cameroon, Archbishop Gallagher called for collective prayer and perseverance. 

“For eight years now, this country has been living a situation of extreme violence in a socio-political crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, and radical religious extremism in some communities of the Far North regions,” the Vatican official lamented.

He added, “This violent unrest has forced your brothers and sisters to flee their lands, homes, villages, and towns to find refuge elsewhere. Thanks to your openness and hospitality, particularly in the cities of Douala, Bafoussam, Yaoundé, as well as other towns and villages, many have been able to start a new life, contributing greatly to the economic and social growth of their host communities.”

He acknowledged the erosion of faith in many societies and the challenges of secularization but reminded the congregation of the transformative power of prayer.

“Prayer carried by faith is the means par excellence through which we can obtain everything from God,” Archbishop Gallagher said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.