Pope Leo XIV has urged political leaders and civil society in Cameroon to reject violence and embrace what he described as a “disarming peace" during a major address at the Presidential Palace in Yaoundé.
Speaking at the Unity Palace on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the pontiff framed his visit as both pastoral and diplomatic, calling for renewed commitment to justice, transparency, and national unity in a country facing ongoing internal tensions.
Addressing President Paul Biya, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, the Pope praised Cameroon’s diversity, often described as “Africa in miniature," and said it should be seen as a source of strength rather than division.
“This diversity is not a weakness but a treasure,” he said. “It is a promise of fraternity and a solid foundation for building lasting peace.”
Appeal for peace and dialogue
In a speech marked by strong moral language, Pope Leo XIV warned against what he called a growing global sense of resignation and helplessness, which he said risks paralysing efforts toward reform. He highlighted the human cost of violence in parts of Cameroon, pointing to lives lost, families displaced, and young people deprived of education. “Behind statistics are faces, stories, and broken hopes,” he said, calling for an end to conflict not only in Cameroon but worldwide.
The Pope reiterated an appeal he made earlier this year for nations to abandon “the logic of violence and war” in favour of peace rooted in justice and compassion. “Peace is not decreed; it is welcomed and lived,” he said. “The world thirsts for peace. Enough of wars.”
Governance and accountability
A central theme of the address was the responsibility of political leaders. Drawing on the writings of Saint Augustine, the pope stressed that authority should be exercised as a form of service, not domination.
He called for transparency in public administration and warned that corruption undermines trust and stability. “To establish peace and justice, the chains of corruption must be broken,” he said, adding that public authority should act as “a bridge, never a source of division." ”.
The holy father also emphasized the importance of listening to citizens and involving communities, particularly marginalized groups, in decision-making processes.
Role of civil society and youth
Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to civil society organizations, including women’s groups, youth movements, and religious leaders, describing them as essential to national cohesion and conflict resolution.
Pope Leo XIV, President Paul Biya and Others.
He gave particular recognition to women, calling them “tireless builders of peace” whose voices must be more fully included in leadership.
Young people, he said, represent Cameroon’s greatest hope. He urged investment in education and employment opportunities to prevent social instability and the loss of talent.
Religious cooperation and legacy
The visit also underscored the Vatican’s ongoing relationship with Cameroon. The Pope recalled previous papal visits, including those of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, which he said had left a lasting imprint on the country’s moral and political life.
He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to supporting education, healthcare, and social services in Cameroon while promoting interfaith dialogue.
Referencing his predecessor Pope Francis, he echoed calls for policies developed “with the poor, not just for the poor."
A call for unity
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that Cameroon could draw on its cultural and spiritual resources to overcome its challenges. “May God bless Cameroon… and grant all the Cameroonian people the grace to build together a future of justice and peace,” he said.
The visit is part of a broader apostolic journey aimed at strengthening ties between the Holy See and African nations while addressing pressing issues of governance, peace, and development across the continent.
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