Pope Leo XIV Condemns 'Tyrants Ravaging the World' in Pointed Africa Speech

Apr 18, 2026

Pope Leo XIV delivered forceful remarks during his four-nation Africa tour in Cameroon, condemning leaders who spend billions on wars and exploit Africa's resources—comments widely seen as targeting US President Trump following their recent dispute. Speaking to 20,000 worshippers at Bamenda Airport, the Pope criticized tyrants ravaging the world and called for breaking the chains of corruption. He visited Bamenda, epicenter of Cameroon's nearly 10-year Anglophone separatist insurgency that has killed at least 6,000 people, where he held a peace meeting and emphasized that the conflict has not become a religious war. The Pope also urged investment in youth and women while President Paul Biya attended his address, during which state television notably halted its live feed for portions of his remarks.

Pope Leo XIV's criticism of foreign exploitation and corruption in Africa

▪Pope Leo XIV stated that hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit during Pope Leo XIV's address at the presidential palace in Yaoundé.
▪Pope Leo XIV criticized foreigners who exploit the wealth of Africa for profit during Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon.
▪Pope Leo XIV told an estimated 20,000 worshippers at a Mass at Bamenda Airport that the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.
▪Cameroon's President Paul Biya attended Pope Leo XIV's address at the presidential palace in Yaoundé on Wednesday.

Cameroon's Anglophone separatist conflict and its humanitarian impact

▪Pope Leo XIV held a peace meeting at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Bamenda about the Anglophone insurgency.
▪Since 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state in Cameroon's Anglophone region have been fighting government forces.
▪The nearly 10-year insurgency in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions has left at least 6,000 people dead.

Calls for peace, youth investment, and women's empowerment

▪Pope Leo XIV described young people as the hope of Cameroon and the Church during Pope Leo XIV's address at the presidential palace.
▪Peace is the main theme of Pope Leo XIV's 11-day tour of Africa.
▪Pope Leo XIV told worshippers at Bamenda Airport that the time has come to restore the mosaic of unity by bringing together the diversity and riches of Cameroon and the continent.

Perspective of Catholic Church leadership in Cameroon

▪Archbishop of Bamenda Andrew Nkea believes Pope Leo XIV's visit will bring hope to people affected by conflict in Cameroon's North-West and South-West regions.