Pope Leo XIV condemns global tyranny during high-security Cameroon visit

Pope Leo XIV sharply criticised what he described as a small group of oppressive rulers destabilising the world through violence and exploitation, as he delivered a strong message of peace during his visit to Bamenda, Cameroon. The city lies at the heart of an ongoing separatist conflict widely regarded as one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises globally.

Speaking at St. Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, the pontiff commended peace advocates while cautioning against the misuse of religion as a tool for conflict. His remarks reinforced a recurring theme in his recent addresses, particularly in relation to ongoing geopolitical tensions and the dangerous blending of faith with political agendas.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he declared, warning that those who exploit religion for military, economic, or political advantage corrupt what is sacred and deepen human suffering.

The Pope urged a fundamental shift away from war-driven policies and the exploitation of natural resources for strategic gain. He emphasised that while destructive leadership may threaten global stability, unity and compassion among ordinary people continue to hold the world together.

This statement followed closely after a public disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump. The disagreement arose from the Pope’s vocal opposition to recent military actions involving Iran, which drew criticism from the former U.S. leader. Despite the tension, Pope Leo stated before his departure that he had no intention of engaging in political disputes.

Upon his arrival in Bamenda, he was met with enthusiastic crowds who lined the streets in celebration. Residents expressed joy and hope, viewing the visit as an opportunity to bring international attention to years of violence that have deeply affected the region.

The conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions began in 2017 after separatist groups declared the formation of the Federal State of Ambazonia. Since then, the area has experienced severe unrest marked by killings, displacement, and widespread insecurity.

Religious communities have not been spared, with clergy members among those targeted. Despite ongoing efforts by the Vatican to encourage dialogue, progress toward peace has remained limited.

During his visit, Pope Leo led a symbolic interfaith gathering that included traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders. The initiative aimed to promote unity across religious divides and support efforts to care for victims of the conflict.

Earlier, in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital, the Pope met with President Paul Biya and senior officials. In a direct and uncompromising speech, he called on the government to address corruption, describing it as a major obstacle to justice and stability.

He stated that for peace to thrive, corruption must be eliminated, as it weakens institutions and erodes public trust. He further stressed that genuine progress comes from balanced human development rather than unchecked pursuit of profit.

The Cameroon visit forms part of a broader African tour that includes stops in Algeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The Pope is also expected to celebrate a large public mass in Douala, drawing tens of thousands of attendees.

Africa continues to play a vital role in the global Catholic community, with approximately 288 million followers. This number has risen significantly over the past decade, driven by population growth and the Church’s expanding humanitarian outreach.

Observers note that the Pope’s extensive itinerary across multiple African nations reflects the region’s growing importance in shaping the future of Catholicism worldwide.