WELCOME TO POPE LEO XIV’S HOME
THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN CAMEROON AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA
FAITH. HUMAN DIGNITY. DIALOGUE. RECONCILIATION. DEVELOPMENT. PEACE.
THE HOLY SEE
The Holy See (Sancta Sedes), also known as the See of Rome, the Petrine See, and the Apostolic See, is custodian of the Apostolic succession reaching back to St. Peter, apostle. The Holy See comprises of the Office of the Roman Pontiff and the Roman Curia which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church.
The Pope as the Bishop of Rome serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church.
The Holy See is a sovereign state. The Roman Curia is comprised of various departments called dicasteries and other bodies such as tribunals, commissions and councils amongst other institutions and offices through which the Pope exercises his pastoral ministry in the Church and in the world.
The Vatican City State was established to guarantee the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of the Petrin ministry. The Vatican City State is the seat of the Holy See. The Holy See entertains official diplomatic relations with 185 states and international institutions such as the United Nations Organization, European Union and the African Union amongst others.
The Holy See is a founding member of various international bodies of the United Nations Organizations that promote and support dialogue, reconciliation, peace, the battle against disease and poverty, and development in the world.
Located within the city of Rome, the Vatican City State does not require a passport or visa for entry. However, as it is situated in Rome travellers must adhere to the entry requirements of the Italian government. For specific details, consult the nearest Italian Embassy.
Visitors and pilgrims can make use of the numerous hotels and guesthouses available nearby the Vatican City State.
One may consider use travel agents experienced in faith related travel to make adequate pilgrims’ arrangements to the many sites related to the Church in Rome and in Italy.
The website of the Pontifical House Hold should be consulted for dates and times of upcoming celebrations where the Pope will be present. Participation in Papal celebrations are absolutely free and reservations to the celebrations may be made on the Pontifical House Hold’s website.
To access the website click HERE
THE HOLY SEE AND DIPLOMACY
The Holy See holds a time-honored tradition of diplomacy dating back to the early times of Christianity. The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of the Apostle Peter and the Bishop of Rome, exercises unique spiritual, moral and temporal authority. Over the centuries old tradition of the Church, the Pope has received and sent emissaries to and from foreign heads of state. The Roman Pontiff appoints Apostolic Nuncios (nuntius apostolicus literally meaning “envoy” and “messenger”) to serve as Ambassadors of the Holy See. The Apostolic Nuncio serves as a bridge between the Holy Father and the local Church as well as representing the Roman Pontiff to that nation’s authorities and institutions.
Mission
The Apostolic Nunciature in Cameroon and Guinea Equatorial, located in Yaoundé, is the Embassy of the Holy See, the Roman Pontiff’s diplomatic mission. The Apostolic Nunciature concerns itself with bilateral relations between the Holy See and the State of Cameroon and equally the State of Equatorial Guinea.
Presently the Apostolic Nunciature is headed by H.E. José Avelino Bettencourt, titular Archbishop of Aemonensis Seu Civitatis Novae, Apostolic Nuncio, named to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea by Pope Francis on the 30 August 2023.
