Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Cameroon

A mass was held in Bamenda, western Cameroon, on Thursday, led by local Catholic leaders. This region has been embroiled in a separatist conflict for several years, as English-speaking citizens seek independence from the Francophone government of President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 amidst allegations of fraudulent elections.

The Pope’s visit follows a decade marked by significant violence, including the rise of jihadist activity alongside the ongoing English-French linguistic conflict. The separatists, who attempted to declare the state of “Ambazonia” in 2017, have seen Boko Haram—an extremist group from Nigeria—expand its influence in Cameroon, creating a grave threat to the Christian community.

Cameroon boasts a Christian majority, with nearly 38 percent of its population identifying as Roman Catholic. In addition to engaging with local Catholics, Pope Leo XIV also dedicated time to interfaith dialogues with Muslim leaders.

During Friday’s Mass in Douala, the Pope urged attendees to resist greed and to ensure that everyone is fed, alongside emphasizing spiritual growth. He stated that physical nourishment must be paired with the nourishment of the soul—something that supports one’s conscience, especially during tough times.

He encouraged the youth to “develop your talents through faith, patience, and friendship,” calling on them to be the ones who support their communities with both wisdom and dignity.

The Pope also warned against succumbing to disbelief and the allure of quick gains from abuse and violence, stressing that true wealth is found in values like faith, family, and hard work.

In Bamenda, roughly 20,000 people gathered for the Mass, where the Pope made more politically charged comments, appearing to critique both President Biya and exploitative external influences, including, albeit indirectly, China. He condemned corruption and inequality, which he noted hinder progress in institutions and infrastructure.

While he did not name China specifically, Biya has a history of friendly relations with the Chinese government, having participated in initiatives that some critics dub exploitative. The Pope has also highlighted the detrimental impact of foreign exploitation on the continent, noting how such actions perpetuate cycles of instability.

Pope Leo hosted another peace conference in Bamenda, reiterating his condemnation of foreign powers that exploit local resources. He emphasized that the wealth extracted from Africa is often used as a weapon, contributing to ongoing unrest.

Despite being a country where many practice Christianity, Cameroon has been labeled as one of the most perilous places for Christians by human rights experts. Organizations have ranked it high on global persecution lists, citing threats from Islamic militant groups like Boko Haram, which specifically target Christians.

The report notes that Christians in northern regions face violence, including kidnappings and church burnings, and converts from Islam can be particularly vulnerable to significant risks. Those opposing President Biya’s regime also face harassment and even arrest, as critics of the government are often met with retaliation.

Reports have indicated connections between separatist fighters and actions against Christians, highlighting incidents where churches were attacked. Some claim that both the separatists and the government have aligned with Boko Haram, putting Christians in additional jeopardy.