Overview
- León XIV, speaking in Bamenda on Thursday, said the world is being “devastated by a handful of tyrants” and urged a decisive turn from war.
- Separatist factions declared a three-day ceasefire for the visit, as thousands filled the streets to greet him in the conflict-hit city.
- He condemned bending the name of God to military, economic or political ends and criticized those who loot resources to fund arms.
- The visit spotlighted Cameroon’s anglophone crisis, with about 6,500 dead, over 500,000 displaced and 1.8 million needing aid, according to the UN.
- The remarks followed days of attacks from President Donald Trump, who labeled him weak on security, as the Pope said he fears no U.S. reprisal and will keep pressing for peace.