Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon faithful — ‘reject violence’

Approximately 120,000 Catholic worshippers gathered in Douala, Cameroon, for Pope Leo XIV’s Friday open-air mass. The pontiff urged attendees to become builders of peace and to oppose the damaging effects of violence and manipulation. During his second stop on the 11-day African tour, Leo emphasized the importance of unity and moral integrity, addressing the crowd with a message of hope and resilience.

The US-born leader of the Church called on Cameroonians to take an active role in shaping their nation’s future. He stressed the need to resist distrust and discouragement, urging followers to reject all forms of exploitation and brutality that corrupt the spirit and erode compassion. In French, Leo spoke of the continent’s enduring desire for peace, liberty, and fairness.

“Do not yield to doubt or despair. Abandon all manifestations of harm or aggression, which promise quick rewards yet dull the conscience and desensitize the soul,” the pope declared.

Pope Leo XIV’s recent remarks have drawn attention from political figures, including US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who have publicly challenged the Church’s leadership. The pontiff’s criticism of war profiteers and those who distort faith to justify conflict has sparked debate, particularly in the presence of President Paul Biya, a leader who has governed Cameroon since 1982.

Biya’s administration has faced scrutiny for its role in suppressing protests against his re-election last October, resulting in significant casualties. Leo highlighted the tension between security and human rights, urging leaders to combat corruption and ensure justice in maintaining public order. His words were met with both support and reflection from the audience.

Cameroon, abundant in natural resources, has long been a hub for foreign investments and local power dynamics. On Thursday, Leo denounced those who exploit the African continent for economic gain, criticizing their actions as a form of unchecked greed. He also emphasized the need for leaders to address systemic abuses and uphold ethical governance.

Earlier this week, the pope convened an interfaith gathering in Bamenda, a city at the center of a separatist movement that has persisted for nearly a decade. The event underscored the Church’s commitment to fostering dialogue amid regional unrest. Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala, a vocal critic of Biya, expressed optimism that the visit could catalyze progress. “Our nation has weathered numerous challenges, many of which persist. The outcome of this journey should inspire us to act as peace creators,” he remarked.

The pontiff’s itinerary includes a Saturday morning mass in Douala, following his earlier engagement at a Catholic hospital. After Cameroon, Leo will proceed to Angola and Equatorial Guinea before returning to Rome. His ongoing efforts reflect the Church’s growing engagement with African issues, as the continent’s 290 million Catholics now represent over 20% of the global Catholic population.

To view the accompanying video, ensure JavaScript is enabled and use a browser compatible with HTML5 video playback.