Overview
- Pope Leo XIV, speaking in Bamenda on Thursday, warned that a handful of tyrants are destroying the world and condemned the use of God’s name for political or military goals.
- He urged Cameroon’s authorities to enforce security with respect for human rights, to include civil society in talks, and to break the chains of corruption that block trust and justice.
- The dispute with President Trump escalated after Truth Social posts attacking the pope’s peace appeals, with Leo saying he will not debate and will keep speaking against war.
- Trump later claimed there was no fight but misstated the pope’s Iran stance, as outlets noted Leo never said Tehran should have a nuclear weapon.
- The visit highlights a decade-long conflict in Cameroon that has killed thousands and uprooted families, and analysts in U.S. media say the rift could erode parts of Trump’s religious support, including Catholic voters.