Pope: 'World is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants'
BAMENDA, Cameroon - Pope Leo XIV urged reconciliation during a visit to Cameroon on Thursday amid wars and conflicts in many parts of the world, praising joint peace efforts by Christians and Muslims in the city of Bamenda.
A conflict has raged in the region since 2017, with thousands killed in the fighting between government forces and separatists. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Religious communities are trying to mediate.
The head of the Catholic Church described this as an example for other regions of the world.
"I wish this would happen in so many other places on earth! Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth."
"The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters!" he said.
Leo did not suggest whom he would identify as "tyrants."
He has spoken out against the Iran war, and in recent days, the pope has been criticized several times by U.S. President Donald Trump. Leo has said he is "not afraid of the Trump administration."
Cameroon is Leo's second stop on an 11-day trip to Africa, after Algeria.
He is set to celebrate Mass later on Thursday with tens of thousands of faithful in Bamenda.
On Wednesday he appealed to the government of long-serving President Paul Biya to strive for peace.
Political opposition, freedom of expression and press freedom are severely restricted in the country.
More than half of the population in Cameroon identifies as Christian. About a quarter belong to the Catholic faith. About 20% identify as Muslim.
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