Pope Leo XIV Denounces Religious Manipulation During Cameroon Visit

Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech in Bamenda, Cameroon, on Thursday, denouncing the manipulation of religion for personal gains. He stated that the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants and called for peace. The visit marks the first by a pope to the region's English-speaking northwest.

The pope's comments included a blessing for peacemakers and a warning against those who drag the sacred into darkness and filth. Multiple sources reported the speech at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Bamenda. He arrived in Yaounde on Wednesday and continued the message there.

Regional Conflict and Truce

The address took place amid Cameroon's ongoing separatist conflict in the English-speaking regions.

Separatist rebels called a four-day truce during the pope's visit. The archbishop of Bamenda described the local suffering, including loss of homes, livelihoods, and education for children. The government has been accused of avoiding dialogue with separatists.

The last peace talks occurred in 2022, facilitated by Canada. A Presbyterian church leader noted efforts by faith groups, including the Vatican, to bring parties to negotiations.