Pope Leo XIV delivered a sharp critique of global leadership during a visit to Cameroon’s conflict-affected Anglophone region, condemning the vast sums spent on war and warning against the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Speaking in Bamenda, a city at the center of a separatist conflict that has lasted nearly a decade, the pontiff emphasized the human cost of prolonged unrest while calling for a shift in global priorities.
His remarks came amid renewed tensions following criticism directed at him by United States President Donald Trump on social media.
Addressing a diverse interfaith gathering, Pope Leo urged leaders to abandon policies that fuel conflict and instead invest in reconciliation and human development.
“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 said.
He warned against those who “manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain,” stressing the dangers of invoking faith in support of violence.
The visit included a peace meeting with religious and traditional leaders, highlighting ongoing grassroots efforts to end the violence and support affected communities.
Despite the region’s hardships, the pope praised local resilience, noting that calls for peace were already being voiced by residents themselves.
The unrest in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions stems from longstanding grievances over political and economic marginalization following the country’s colonial-era division.
Since 2017, separatist fighters have sought independence, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Ahead of the pope’s visit, armed groups announced a temporary pause in fighting, allowing safe passage and signaling a willingness to show restraint.
Pope Leo also criticized the exploitation of natural resources, arguing that profits are often redirected into sustaining conflict rather than development.
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters!” he said.
He concluded with a call for a “decisive change of course” toward peace, sustainability, and global solidarity.