Pope Leo XIV called on Cameroon’s government to “break the chains of corruption” during a candid address in Yaoundé, the second stop on 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,” the Pope told an audience at the presidential palace that included President Paul Biya.
The 93-year-old president, the world’s oldest head of state, secured an eighth term last year in a disputed election. His administration has faced criticism over corruption allegations, governance, and security challenges.
Commentators described the Pope’s remarks as unusually direct. State television reportedly cut its live feed for parts of the address, though it was unclear whether technical issues were to blame. Biya sat through the speech without visible reaction.
The Pope, 70, then traveled to Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where a separatist conflict has persisted since 2017. He is expected to hold a Mass for peace at the airport in Bamenda, the epicenter of violence that has killed at least 6,000 people and displaced many more. Crowds lined the streets to greet him, and Anglophone separatists had announced a period of “safe travel passage” for the visit.
“Security is a priority, but it must always be exercised with respect for human rights,” Pope Leo said, referencing the conflict. The fighting pits separatists seeking a breakaway state in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions against government forces, amid long-standing grievances over marginalization by the Francophone-dominated government.
The Pope also emphasized the role of young people and women in Cameroon’s future. “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.”
Archbishop of Bamenda Andrew Nkea said the pontiff’s visit would bring hope to residents whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict in the North-West and South-West regions. “I can confidently say now is the time for peace,” Nkea said at the cathedral in Bamenda ahead of the Mass.
Peace is the central theme of Pope Leo’s 11-day African tour. He began in Algeria on Monday — the first papal visit to the majority-Muslim country and birthplace of St Augustine. Leo XIV is the first pope from the order following Augustine’s teachings. While in Algiers he visited the Great Mosque. “Although we have different beliefs… we can live together in peace,” he said afterward.
Angola and Equatorial Guinea are next on his itinerary.
Biya pledged to prioritize women and young people after his October re-election, with expectations high ahead of an anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
