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Pope delivers stark message on corruption in Cameroon
Pope Leo XIV has called on Cameroon's government to eradicate corruption during a direct address at the presidential palace in Yaoundé, where President Paul Biya was in attendance.
"For peace and justice to take root, the chains of corruption-which distort authority and erode its legitimacy-must be shattered," the Pope stated, framing corruption as a barrier to stability in the nation.
Criticism of war spending amid separatist crisis
In Bamenda, a city at the heart of Cameroon's Anglophone conflict, the Pope condemned leaders who divert billions to warfare. "The world is being torn apart by a handful of tyrants," he declared during a peace gathering at Saint Joseph Cathedral.
The separatist insurgency, which has claimed at least 6,000 lives since 2017, stems from grievances over marginalization by the Francophone-dominated government. Anglophone regions have sought independence, fueling ongoing violence.
"Those who plunder your land's resources often funnel profits into weapons, perpetuating cycles of destabilization and death."
Pope Leo XIV
Voices of conflict shared with the Pope
During his visit, religious leaders and victims recounted the toll of the crisis. A Muslim leader highlighted attacks on the Mbororo community, including cattle thefts, while a nun described her abduction by separatist fighters. Another speaker detailed his forced displacement.
The Pope praised their resilience, urging unity: "Treasure the moments that have united you amid this suffering. This crisis has not spiraled into religious war-let us give thanks for that."
State media cuts Pope's address
Cameroon's state television interrupted its live broadcast of the Pope's speech at the presidential palace, though it remained unclear whether technical issues were responsible, according to the Associated Press.
President Biya, the world's oldest head of state at 93, sat impassively through the address. His administration faces allegations of corruption and poor governance following his disputed re-election last year.
Call to empower youth and women
The Pope emphasized the role of young people as Cameroon's future, stressing the need for investment in education and entrepreneurship to counter social instability. He also highlighted women as "tireless peacebuilders," urging their inclusion in decision-making.
Biya had pledged to prioritize youth and women after his October re-election, though expectations remain high ahead of an anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
Peace as the tour's central theme
Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda expressed hope that the Pope's visit would inspire reconciliation, telling worshippers, "Now is the time for peace." A Mass for 20,000 attendees was later held at Bamenda's airport.
The Pope's 11-day African tour, which began in Algeria, continues to Angola and Equatorial Guinea. In Algeria, he visited the Great Mosque of Algiers, underscoring interfaith unity: "Though our beliefs differ, we can coexist peacefully."
