Pope Leo XIV visited the children and staff of the Ngul Zamba Orphanage, on Tuesday, his first day in Cameroon.
First addressing the children, the Pope expressed his joy at being with them and described the orphanage as a place that has become a true home. He reminded them that, above all, it is God who welcomes them as His children and draws them close with love.
The Pope in his address emphasized the sense of family that could be felt within the orphanage, noting that the children share similar life experiences of hardship.
“You form a true family here,” he said, adding that their unity as brothers and sisters, gathered around Christ, gives them strength and allows them to face life’s difficulties together.
The Pope acknowledged the challenges many of the children have faced, including loss, abandonment, and uncertainty. He encouraged them not to define their future by these experiences.
“You are called to a future that is greater than your wounds,” he said, reminding them that God is close to those who suffer and knows each of them personally.
Turning then to the Gospel, Pope Leo XIV recalled that Jesus showed particular care for children and placed them at the centre of his attention. He told the children that Christ looks upon them today with the same concern and affection.
No one is ever forgotten
Pope Leo then spoke about the broader responsibility of society. In a world which is so often marked by indifference, he said, places like the orphanage are a reminder that people are called to care for one another. “In God’s great family, no one is ever a stranger or forgotten,” he said.
He then thanked the staff, volunteers, and religious sisters who care for the children, and praised their commitment and dedication.
Their work, he said, is a concrete expression of love, and it reflects God’s mercy. By offering not only material support, but also presence and guidance, they provide the children with stability and hope for the future.
Bringing his greeting to a close, the Pope quoted Matthew’s Gospel, noting that caring for the most vulnerable is a way of serving Christ Himself. He encouraged those working in the orphanage to continue their efforts with perseverance.
Finally, Pope Leo entrusted the children and staff to the care of the Virgin Mary, asking that she protect and support them, especially in times of difficulty.
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