Pope Leo XIV Denounces ‘Tyrants’ Instigating Global Conflict During Visit to Cameroon
Pope Leo XIV denounces tyrants who incite global conflicts, calls for peace, and cautions against the manipulation of religion for political and economic advantage.
Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal for worldwide peace on Thursday, denouncing what he referred to as “a handful of tyrants” who are instigating conflicts and instability around the globe.
During a visit to Cameroon as part of a wider four-nation African tour, the pontiff cautioned against the perilous use of religion to rationalize violence, especially in light of rising geopolitical tensions.
Pope Leo addressed a peace gathering at St. Joseph Cathedral, commending interfaith initiatives focused on resolving the enduring conflict in the Anglophone regions of the country. The meeting convened a Mankon traditional leader, a Presbyterian moderator, an imam, and a Catholic nun, showcasing a collective commitment to peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he proclaimed. “However, it is a grave injustice for individuals to exploit religion and the sacred name of God for their own military, economic, and political advantage.”
He urged for a “decisive change of course” away from violence and the exploitation of individuals and natural resources, cautioning that these practices were exacerbating global instability.
“A small number of tyrants are wreaking havoc across the globe, but it is the vast community of supportive brothers and sisters that keeps it united,” the pope added.
His comments arise amid continuing global tensions, particularly the situation with Iran, where political discourse has increasingly drawn on religious narratives.
In response to the pope’s remarks, Donald Trump expressed his respect for the pontiff’s right to share his opinions while standing firm on his own stance regarding global security matters, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
“I respect the pope’s right to express his views, but I am entitled to my own opinion,” Trump stated to reporters, emphasizing that the United States will not permit Iran to pursue nuclear weapons development.
During his visit, Pope Leo emphasized the severe consequences of the separatist conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, which has been ongoing since 2017. Originating from the divisions established during the colonial period between French- and English-speaking regions, the crisis has resulted in over 6,000 fatalities and displaced more than 600,000 individuals, as reported by the International Crisis Group.
The pope condemned the exploitation of natural resources as a catalyst for violence, highlighting that the profits from resource extraction are frequently funneled into weapons, thereby sustaining cycles of conflict.
“The world has been turned upside down,” he remarked. “A misuse of God’s creation that must be condemned and turned away from.”
Cameroon, abundant in oil, natural gas, and precious minerals, has consistently drawn foreign interests, with both Western and Asian companies engaged in its extractive sectors.
In anticipation of the pope’s arrival, separatist groups declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate safe passage, a gesture regarded as uncommon in a conflict that has defied numerous peace initiatives.
Although there has been a recent decrease in attacks, the crisis is still unresolved, as stalled negotiations and significant mistrust between the government and separatist factions persist, obstructing progress toward enduring peace.
