Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon amid unrest and separatist conflict

Pope Leo XIV began a three-day visit to Cameroon on Wednesday, marking the first papal trip to the country since 2009.

During his visit, he urged President Paul Biya to confront corruption and restore public trust in leadership.

Speaking at the presidential palace in Yaoundé, the Pope emphasized the need to break the "chains of corruption" that undermine governance.

This message comes amid ongoing political challenges following Biya's disputed re-election in November 2025.

The visit occurs against the backdrop of a separatist conflict in Cameroon's anglophone regions, which has been ongoing since 2017.

Violence in these areas has resulted in over 6,000 deaths, according to the International Crisis Group.

In a gesture towards peace, a three-day pause in fighting was announced ahead of the Pope's scheduled attendance at a peace meeting in Bamenda on Thursday.

The Pope also visited the Saint Thérèse orphanage in Yaoundé, meeting children and caregivers, highlighting the Church's continued influence in the country.

On Friday, Pope Leo XIV is expected to celebrate Mass in Douala, with up to 600,000 attendees anticipated.

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