Cameroon-Vatican : Long-standing Partners

There exist concrete and age-old relations between Cameroon and the Vatican, with the Presidential couple having visited the Holy See three times (2013, 2014 and 2017). Over the years, diplomatic relations have been characterised by a broad convergence of views on the values of peace and social justice. There are several projects jointly executed by the two parties in Cameroon which have a direct impact on the lives of the population.  Owing to this and in perspective of further improving them, the President of the Republic, Paul Biya on July 15, 2025 received in audience the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Grace José Avelino Bettencourt. 
Relations between the two parties are governed by several accords, with the most recent being the Framework Agreement on the Legal Status of the Catholic Church in Cameroon, signed on January 13, 2014.  Cameroon legally recognises the juridical personality of the Archdioceses and Dioceses of Cameroon, as well as of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, in application of the provisions of Articles 2 and 3 of the above-mentioned Framework Agreement. As an example of the good state of relations, a Cameroonian has once been appointed Cardinal, in the person of Christian Cardinal Tumi, of blessed memory.  
The Catholic Church has numerous social actions it carries out in the country. These actions are based on two main pillars which include education and health. Primary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning have been created in Cameroon by the Catholic Church. The country hosts four Catholic Universities in the cities of Yaounde, Douala, Bertoua, and Bamenda. Through awareness raising, they support the government in the fight against HI...