Pope Calls for Peace During Visit to Cameroon
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Cameroon on the next leg of his ten-day tour of Africa, where he is expected to focus on calls for peace in the country’s conflict-ridden Anglophone regions.
During the visit, he is due to meet President Paul Biya in the capital, Yaounde, and address national leaders. Cameroon has faced prolonged violence between government forces and separatist groups, a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
The visit comes as the Pope has taken a more outspoken stance on international issues in recent weeks. He has said he will continue to speak out against the war with Iran, despite criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Leo, who is originally from Chicago, has led the Catholic Church since last year. After an initially cautious approach, he has become increasingly vocal on global affairs.
His African tour is one of the most demanding of his papacy, spanning several countries and thousands of kilometres. Hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to attend a planned Holy Mass in Cameroon.