Pope Leo XIV has told Cameroon’s government to root out corruption during a forthright address on the second leg of his African tour. “In order for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption – which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility – must be broken,” he told those gathered at the presidential palace in the capital, Yaoundé, including President Paul Biya.
The 93-year-old president won an eighth term last year in a disputed poll and his administration faces criticism over allegations of corruption, bad governance and a failure to tackle security.
Now in Cameroon’s conflict-hit English-speaking regions, the Pope has blasted those who spend billions on wars.
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” he said during a peace meeting held at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, the city at the centre of Cameroon’s separatist insurgency, which has left at least 6,000 people dead and many more forced from their homes.
These comments follow Donald Trump’s recent criticism of the Pope.
Joyful crowds sang, drummed and waved flags to welcome Pope Leo, who arrived under military escort. Earlier Anglophone separatists had announced a period of “safe travel passage”to accommodate his visit.
“Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilisation and death,” the Pope told those gathered in the cathedral.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions have been fighting government forces.
They are angered by what they see as the marginalisation of Cameroon’s minority English-speaking community by the Francophone-dominated government.
Religious leaders and victims of the Anglophone conflict took turns to share the impact of the fighting with the Pope.
A Muslim leader decried the killing of members of the Mbororo indigenous community, looting of cattle and other items.
A nun revealed details of her kidnap by separatist fighters, highlighting the severity of the conflict.
Another man shared how he was forced to flee his home.
The Pope commended their work and said it was a model for the whole world: “Cherish all the shared moments that have brought you together in this time of sorrow.
“Let us thank God that this crisis has not degenerated into a religious war.”
Commentators say Pope Leo has been unusually blunt in his speeches in Cameroon.
At the presidential palace on Wednesday, Biya – the world’s oldest head of state – sat through the Pope’s address without reaction.
“Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit,” Pope Leo said.
According to the Associated Press news agency, state television halted its live feed for parts of the pontiff’s address – adding that it was not clear if technical issues were to blame.
Pope Leo also described young people as the hope of Cameroon and the Church.
“Their energy and creativity are invaluable. Investing in their education, training, and entrepreneurship is essential for peace and for preventing the loss of talent and the spread of social ills,” he said.
“I wish to highlight especially the role of women, who, though often victims of injustice, are tireless builders of peace. Their voice must be fully recognised in decision-making processes.”
President Biya had promised to prioritise women and young people after winning re-election in October. Expectations remain high amid a looming cabinet reshuffle.
The Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea, has said the pontiff’s visit will bring hope to the people whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions.
“I can confidently say now is the time for peace,” said Nkea ahead of a Mass that will be held later at Bamenda’s airport for an estimated 20,000 worshippers.
Peace is the main theme of the Pope’s 11-day tour of the continent, with Angola and Equatorial Guinea next on his agenda.
He started his trip in Algeria on Monday, marking the first visit by any pope to the predominantly Muslim country.
It is also the birthplace of St Augustine, and Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the order to follow his teachings.
During his two days in Algeria he went to the Great Mosque in Algiers.
“I think the visit to the mosque was significant and to say that although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshiping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace,” he said afterwards.
By BBC News
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