During an official visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV took the opportunity to address the socio-economic problems undermining the country. In front of President Paul Biya and representatives of civil society, the sovereign pontiff delivered a speech highlighting the evils that, according to him, fuel tensions and violence in Cameroonian society.
Leo XIV specifically pointed to unemployment, social exclusion, and corruption as factors of frustration likely to escalate into violence. He stressed the need to tackle these problems to strengthen the social fabric and promote stability. The Pope also called on the Cameroonian authorities to be more at the service of the population, stressing their crucial role in promoting the common good.
This visit by the Pope to Cameroon is part of a broader African tour that will also take him to Algeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. This is his first apostolic journey to the African continent, an important moment for the Catholic Church, given that Africa accounts for about 20% of the world's Catholic population and is experiencing significant growth in priestly vocations.
In Cameroon, the Pope will spend three days, visiting the cities of Yaoundé, Douala and Bamenda. His program includes meetings with President Biya, Catholic bishops, visits to orphanages and participation in a peace meeting in Bamenda. He will also meet with university students and professors in Yaoundé.
Leo XIV's visit to Africa is seen by some as a sign of the continent's growing importance to the Catholic Church. His remarks on issues of social justice, peace and reconciliation are eagerly awaited, in a context marked by persistent political and social challenges.
