Thousands celebrate open-air Mass with Pope Leo in Cameroon - in pictures

Thousands celebrate open-air Mass with Pope Leo in Cameroon - in pictures7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePaul Njie,BBC Africa, Japoma Stadium, DoualaandHafsa KhalilEPAMore than 120,000 people have joined Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon for an open-air Mass, the biggest crowd so far during his 11-day Africa tour.Arriving in the economic city of Douala on Friday, the Pope reiterated his message of peace after visiting the country's Anglophone region hit by a decade-long rebellion on Thursday.ReutersJubliant crowds welcomed Pope Leo as he arrived at the Japoma Stadium. Standing in his vehicle - known as the Popemobile - the pontiff waved at the droves of people waiting for his entrance.Michel Mvondo/BBCSome worshippers camped outside the premises on Thursday night in a bid to get a prime spot for the pontiff's address, with some having been there for more than 24 hours.By Friday, tens of thousands of people of all ages, including several from the priesthood, braved the heat to participate in the occasion.AFP via Getty ImagesPope Leo's message on Friday was focused on spiritual matters, and encouraging young people to diversify their talents and support their communities."Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive," the pontiff said."Do not let yourselves be corrupted by temptations that waste your energies and do not serve the progress of society," he added.Some attendees told the BBC they were happy to have seen and listened to the Pope, echoing a growing desire for peace to return to the conflict-hit nation.AFP via Getty ImagesAs they raised their hands in prayer, some raised umbrellas and books over their heads to keep cool. Others were left wiping sweat from their face.ReutersWorship took different forms for those in the crowds. Some clasped their hands together, while others prostrated themselves.ReutersReutersOn the fifth day of his Afric...