In a significant pastoral visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV arrived in the country on Wednesday, delivering a stark message on the need for integrity in leadership.
The Pope’s remarks, delivered at the presidential palace in Yaoundé, were aimed directly at President Paul Biya, who is entering his 93rd year and has ruled Cameroon for over 40 years.
The Pope emphasized the importance of public authority regaining credibility, noting that corruption must be broken to free the “chains of corruption “that bind society. This three-day visit marks the first papal trip to Cameroon since 2009 and comes amidst a backdrop of governance challenges and a separatist conflict in the anglophone regions that has been raging since 2017. President Biya’s disputed re-election in November 2025, which extended his rule, has only exacerbated the tensions.
On Wednesday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV visited the Saint Thérèse orphanage in Yaoundé, where he met with children and caregivers.
The visit was emotional, with local residents gathering outside to witness the Pope’s presence, a testament to the Church’s enduring influence in the region.
The visit underscored the Pope’s commitment to addressing the plight of the vulnerable within the country.
The Pope’s itinerary continues on Thursday with a peace meeting in Bamenda, a city in the conflict-torn region.
The meeting comes as a three — day pause in fighting has been announced in anticipation of his arrival.
The International Crisis Group has reported that the conflict has resulted in over 6,000 deaths.
The Pope’s presence is seen as a hopeful sign for peace in the region.
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass in Douala, a city where Catholics account for approximately 29% of the population. With up to 600,000 people expected to attend, the Mass is poised to be a significant event for the country’s Catholic community.
As the Pope’s visit concludes, it will leave a lasting impact on Cameroon’s religious and political landscape, urging leaders to confront the nation’s challenges with integrity and compassion.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Alexis Caraco
