Pope Leo Condemns ‘Handful of Tyrants’ Fueling Global Wars During Cameroon Visit
Bamenda, Cameroon
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday delivered one of his strongest messages yet against global conflict, condemning what he described as “a handful of tyrants” driving wars across the world. Speaking in Bamenda, in Cameroon’s conflict-hit anglophone region, the pope called for money spent on weapons to be redirected to healthcare and education, as violence continues to claim lives in the area.
The pope made the remarks during a peace meeting at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, where a long-running separatist conflict has left thousands dead over the past decade.
Arriving under tight security in a bulletproof vehicle, Pope Leo greeted large crowds who gathered in celebration—singing, dancing, and waving Vatican and Cameroonian flags. Many wore traditional outfits printed with his image, reflecting both excitement and hope tied to his visit.
In his address, the pontiff did not hold back.
“Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilisation and death,” he said.
He criticised global leaders who prioritise war over human development, warning that billions of dollars are being spent on destruction while essential sectors like healthcare and education remain underfunded.
“The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild,” he added.
Pope Leo also condemned the use of religion to justify violence, calling it a dangerous distortion of faith.
“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed criticism from Donald Trump, who recently attacked the pope on social media, describing him as weak on global issues. Trump’s posts—including controversial images—have sparked reactions across different regions, including Africa, where a significant portion of the world’s Catholic population lives.
Despite the criticism, Pope Leo has continued to speak openly about global conflicts, including tensions involving the United States and Iran.
During the Bamenda visit, he led an interfaith peace gathering involving Christian and Muslim leaders, alongside traditional authorities. The meeting aimed to support ongoing efforts to end the violence and promote unity in the region.
Later, addressing about 20,000 people at an open-air Mass, the pope highlighted internal challenges facing Cameroon, including corruption and governance issues.
He also pointed to external pressures, accusing foreign interests of exploiting Africa’s resources for profit, often at the expense of stability and development.
Cameroon’s anglophone crisis dates back nearly a decade and is rooted in historical divisions between the country’s English-speaking and French-speaking regions.
According to International Crisis Group, more than 6,500 people have been killed, with over 500,000 displaced due to clashes between government forces and separatist groups.
Kidnappings, including those involving clergy, have become common, while several peace efforts have failed to produce lasting solutions.
President Paul Biya, who has been in power for decades, has faced criticism for not visiting the conflict-affected regions since the crisis began.
While Pope Leo acknowledged the deep divisions and ongoing violence, he expressed cautious optimism that the crisis has not escalated into a religious war. He urged continued dialogue, saying faith leaders could play a key role in bringing lasting peace to the region.