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Pope Leo XIV made a strong statement against world leaders who allocate billions of dollars to warfare, accusing them of neglecting efforts for healing, education, and rebuilding despite destroying so much in their conflicts. He highlighted that the world is “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.” During a mass at Bamenda airport in Cameroon on April 16, 2026, he called for a decisive change in direction in the ongoing conflict in Cameroon’s anglophone regions, where nearly a decade of violence has claimed thousands of lives.
He emphasized that those in power who use religious language to justify war are manipulating the sacred for their own political and economic gains, branding this as a world turned upside down. His remarks echoed a recent statement where he said God rejected leaders’ prayers stained with blood, a critique that seemed aimed at those like U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have invoked Christian rhetoric to justify conflicts such as the Iran war.
The pope’s comments come amid a backdrop of tension with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly criticized Leo on social media, describing him as “weak on crime” and damaging U.S. foreign policy. Trump criticsm resumed late Tuesday, after he posted an image of Jesus embracing him, following earlier criticisms portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure.
Leo, who maintained a low profile during his first year as the pope, has recently become vocal in his opposition to the Iran conflict and the misuse of religion to justify violence. On his visit to Bamenda, he called on Cameroon’s government, led by President Paul Biya—who is 93 years old and one of the oldest heads of state—to combat corruption and resist influence from the wealthy elite.
Addressing a packed crowd of approximately 20,000 during a mass at Bamenda’s airport, he condemned foreign exploitation of Africa’s resources, attributing the continent’s poverty and underdevelopment to such practices. He urged that the time to restore unity and celebrate the diversity of Africa is now.
His visit has sparked hope that diplomatic efforts might help resolve the ongoing crisis rooted in Cameroon’s colonial history, which involves conflicts between government forces and anglophone separatists that have resulted in over 6,500 deaths and half a million displacements. The violence has led to kidnappings, killings, and the destruction of religious sites. Pope Leo heard firsthand accounts of recent kidnappings and violence from local community members, emphasizing the need for peace.
A temporary three-day ceasefire has been declared by separatist groups to allow civilians and visitors to move freely during the pope’s visit. Despite limited success so far in peace negotiations, Leo expressed optimism that the crisis has not become a religious war and hopes Christian and Muslim leaders can mediate an end to hostilities.
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