Pope Leo XIV begins Cameroon visit amid Trump remarks and security tensions, meeting President Biya and urging peace in conflict zones
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday, marking the second leg of his African tour, in a visit shaped by political tensions, regional insecurity, and heightened international attention.
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The Pope Leo XIV visit began with a scheduled meeting with Cameroonian President Paul Biya at 3:20 pm local time in Yaounde, placing the 93-year-old leader under global spotlight as he remains the world’s oldest serving head of state.
The private meeting has stirred debate within Cameroon’s Catholic community, where the Church represents roughly a third of the population, with some clergy warning it could be used to strengthen Biya’s political image following contested elections and protests.
Cameroon has remained politically fragile under Biya, who has ruled since 1982, with critics pointing to long-standing governance concerns and recurring unrest across parts of the country.
On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV is expected to travel under heavy security to Bamenda, a key centre of the Anglophone conflict, where he will pray with an estimated 20,000 worshippers in a highly symbolic peace mission.
The region has been gripped by a separatist insurgency for nearly a decade, rooted in long-standing linguistic and cultural divisions between English and French-speaking communities.
The conflict escalated after a crackdown on protests in 2016, developing into a violent confrontation between government forces and armed separatist groups that has claimed thousands of lives.
Human rights organisations estimate that more than 6,000 people have died since the conflict intensified, making Bamenda one of the most sensitive stops on the papal tour.
The Cameroon visit comes just days after his earlier stop in Algeria, where his itinerary was overshadowed by twin suicide bombings in Blida, though authorities have not confirmed a direct link to his presence.
During his time in Algeria, the pontiff called for peace and urged Christians to live through “simple gestures” and dialogue, reinforcing his message of reconciliation.
The tour has also been marked by political controversy abroad, including critical remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who described himself as “not a big fan” of the pontiff following his calls for global peace.
US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, urging the Vatican to remain focused on moral teachings and avoid political commentary.
Responding to criticism, Pope Leo XIV said he remained committed to his mission, stating that “blessed are the peacemakers” and affirming he had no fear of speaking out.
Cameroon has since been decorated with banners and flags ahead of the visit, as authorities deploy tight security measures for the papal programme.
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The pontiff is expected to continue his African tour in Angola after concluding his engagements in Cameroon.
