Pope Leo XIV Begins Africa Tour with Visit to Cameroon, Where Separatists Pause Fighting

# Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Cameroon Amid Separatist Conflict and Kidnapping Reports Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday as part of his four-nation Africa tour. The papal visit is expected to highlight the separatist conflict in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions.

Thousands of people have been killed in the separatist conflict in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions, according to humanitarian groups.

Separatists announced on Tuesday they will pause fighting for three days to allow safe travel for the pope, civilians, and dignitaries. English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion in 2017 in Cameroon's western regions with the goal of breaking away from the French-speaking majority and establishing an independent state. Bamenda is the epicenter of the violence in Cameroon's western regions.

Incident Reported by Nurse Caro Bih was kidnapped, chained, and held for ransom by separatist fighters in parts of Cameroon.

Caro Bih is a 52-year-old mother of six and a nurse by training. Caro Bih spoke to The Associated Press from Bamenda, Cameroon. A Catholic priest was kidnapped by separatists in November alongside five fellow clergy and held for two weeks in the bush.

The priest plans to attend a pope-led Mass. Cameroon held a disputed presidential election that left dozens dead.

Events Scheduled in Bamenda Pope Leo XIV will preside over a peace meeting on Thursday in Bamenda with community leaders.

Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass at the local airport in Bamenda. ’s World Food Program. Paul Biya, aged 93, extended his long rule as president of Cameroon. Cameroon battles Boko Haram extremists who carry out attacks from across the border with Nigeria, targeting military posts and villages.

com reported on the separatist conflict and related events in Cameroon.