“Mercy opens doors to hope” | DIOCESE OF DOUALA (Cameroon)
On the solemn day of the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the International Day of Peace, the Archdiocese of Douala began the Jubilee Year dedicated to hope
The faithful and pilgrims from different parishes and pastoral areas gathered around His Excellency Samuel Kleda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala, to share in the celebration marking the opening of the Jubilee Year and the Holy Door, a symbol of the 
beginning of this period of grace.
In his homily, Bishop Kleda stressed the importance of praying for peace, referring to the conflicts affecting many countries, including Cameroon. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to descend on the faithful, making them receptive to God’s word. He explained the significance of the Jubilee as a period of liberation and mercy, inspired by the Jewish tradition, in which wealth and poverty are set aside to promote justice and peace.
The call to hope and conversion and the elimination of structures of sin
Bishop Kleda urged the faithful to actively participate in building a world of hope by taking concrete actions in response to God’s call. He stressed that the Jubilee is also an opportunity to forgive debts and rebuild peace.
This year of grace must be a privileged time for God’s justice and peace to reign, to welcome his mercy and eliminate the evils that wound human dignity.
Among these evils, he denounced the crucial issue of debt, which weighs heavily on poor countries and is a source of despair for many populations. He described how the international system keeps these countries in a spiral of poverty, with resources exploited without benefit to local populations.
He called for an overhaul of the international financial system, denouncing its dependence on and exploitation of the resources of poor countries
In his letter for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis called for the cancellation of these debts to restore hope to these nations. Archbishop Kleda stressed the importance of this step to enable poor countries to regain their autonomy and build a prosperous future to give
hope and future to their peoples.
Conversion actions expected of rich countries and international organizations include: reducing or even cancelling debt, promoting respect for human dignity, providing a global fund to eliminate hunger, promoting education for all, and combating climate change.
A call for a change of heart and mindset
The archbishop insisted on the need for a change of heart and mindset. He called for a deep conversion, just as Christ preached, “Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15).
He encouraged Christians to adopt an attitude of brotherhood, compassion and solidarity with others, building a kingdom of God based on justice, peace and love.
He called on political leaders to manage public resources justly, reminding them that the earth’s goods must benefit everyone.
Fighting corruption and inequality: focus on Cameroon
Corruption is perceived as one of the great evils of Cameroonian society and was strongly denounced by the Archbishop. Archbishop Kleda placed special emphasis on the need to combat corruption, a plague that hinders Cameroon’s development. Corruption is a moral crisis that leads to an economic crisis.
He called for transparent management of public assets, decent wages and fair distribution of wealth. Inspired by the example of Zacchaeus in the Gospel, he encouraged those who have misused public resources to repent and make amends.
As Cameroon prepares for elections in 2025, the voice of the Church, particularly the bishops, is already being heard, calling for a good electoral process.
He also spoke of the economic challenges posed by the financial dependence of African countries.
He called for each nation to be able to control its own currency and financial system in order to ensure true economic autonomy.
Commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation
Against a backdrop of conflict in Cameroon’s northwestern and southwestern regions, Bishop Kleda appealed for national unity and reconciliation.
He urged the faithful to become peacemakers, rejecting all forms of violence and exploitation. He stressed the importance of concrete actions to establish justice and peace, in response to Christ’s call to love and serve others.
A year of mercy and solidarity: Holy Door opened in New Bell prison
The Archdiocese of Douala has long invested in works of mercy, particularly in New Bell Prison, where the faithful regularly bring food to inmates.
The opening of the Holy Door in this prison symbolizes the Church’s commitment to the most marginalized.
He called for the continuity of this work of mercy, asking that these initiatives be integrated into parish programs and those of groups, associations and movements.
As in 2016, this year Christians are called to go through the Holy Door, which will be opened in St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in 
Douala, as well as in prison.
Bishop Kleda concluded by calling for prayer and action to make this jubilee year a time of spiritual and social renewal, and pledging to be sources of hope for those in need.
He expressed his gratitude to the faithful and encouraged them to continue to sow hope, following the example of Christ.
This celebration marks the beginning of a year in which Christians in Douala are invited to walk with Christ, share joy and hope, and actively engage for a more just and fraternal world.
The Archdiocese of Douala, with its pastor Msgr. Kleda, continues to pave the way for a living Church at the service of the most vulnerable.
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Images
- Photos by Radio télévision Veritas in Douala