Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, has condemned world leaders who use religious language to justify wars and conflicts. Speaking during a meeting in Bamenda, the largest city in Cameroon's anglophone regions, he decried a world "ravaged by tyrants" and called for a "decisive change of course."
The Pope's visit to the Northwest Region of Cameroon highlighted the ongoing conflict between separatist groups and government forces, which has persisted for nearly a decade. The crisis, rooted in political and cultural marginalization, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of over half a million people.
In his address, Pope Leo urged for dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that faith should be a tool for peace, not division. He met with local religious leaders and communities affected by the violence, offering a message of hope and solidarity.
The Vatican confirmed the pontiff's itinerary, which includes further stops in Africa aimed at promoting peace and addressing humanitarian crises. His remarks align with consistent papal diplomacy advocating for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and condemning the instrumentalization of religion.
