During Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cameroon in April 2026, Catholic sisters served in a variety of roles, many of them outside the spotlight, from preparing the altar to providing medical care and sharing their perspectives with the public. The visit held particular significance in Bamenda, where Pope Leo participated in a Meeting for Peace amid the region’s ongoing conflict and calls for reconciliation. Several of these sisters are alumni of ASEC’s Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI), bringing their leadership and professional expertise to these unique roles.
Among them was Sr. Ernestine Mbu, SSA, an SLDI alum and Executive Secretary of the Association of Religious in the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda (AREPB). She also served as sacristan for the Pope’s Mass, working behind the scenes to help prepare for the celebration.
Sr. Kum Shallotte Bi, SUSC, an SLDI alum, served on the medical team during the Pope’s visit. An anesthetist by profession and the matron of Saint Monica Medical Center, Sr. Shallotte brought her medical expertise to a role that required her to remain watchful and prepared. While others gathered to hear the Pope’s message, she was prepared to respond to those who needed medical attention.
Sr. Agnes Njume, SST, Chairperson of AREPB, stood alongside Pope Leo XIV to release doves following the Meeting for Peace. Sr. Agnes is also involved in ASEC’s Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) intensive formation with AREPB. Launched in June 2025 through SLDI, the 18-month ICB intensive formation is designed to strengthen the organization’s effectiveness.
Sr. Bertha Ngwashi, FMSC, also an SLDI alum, shared her perspective on the Pope’s visit during a televised program. As regional superior of the Franciscan Mission Sisters of the Sacred Heart, she reflected on the significance of the visit for the religious community.
For communities in Cameroon carrying the weight of years of conflict and uncertainty, the Pope’s visit offered a sign of hope and a reminder that their experiences have not been forgotten. Reflecting on the visit, Sr. Carine Tarla, ICM, an SLDI alum, wrote, “What we hope for is something simpler, and perhaps more difficult: to be seen, to be heard, to be reminded that our suffering is not forgotten.”
The sisters’ contributions during Pope Leo XIV’s visit offer a glimpse of the many ways Catholic women religious use their education, professional expertise, and leadership to serve their communities. Through its programs, ASEC supports sisters in Africa as they strengthen their leadership capacity and prepare to address local and global challenges.
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Communities across Africa are counting on Catholic Sisters, but 48 lack the education needed to carry out their important mission work. You can be a Ray of Hope for a Sister who needs you by donating to her education today.
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