BAMENDA: POPE LEO XIV CALLS FOR URGENT DIALOGUE, CONDEMNS CORRUPTION AND WAR

By Team LKI

 

Pope Leo XIV has delivered a strong and emotionally charged message in Bamenda, calling for urgent dialogue, an end to suffering in the Anglophone regions, and a renewed commitment to peace, justice and accountable governance.
Addressing a large crowd on April 16, 2026, the Sovereign Pontiff said he came not as a distant authority, but as a “pilgrim of peace”, standing in solidarity with a people who have endured years of hardship but continue to hold on to hope.
The Pope decried the prolonged crisis in the North West and South West Regions, lamenting the разрушение of families, divided communities and an uncertain future for young people. He stressed that while destruction can happen in moments, rebuilding often takes a lifetime, urging that peace must move beyond rhetoric to become a lived reality.
Despite the challenges, Pope Leo XIV praised the resilience of the people of Bamenda, describing the city as a “city on a hill” and a symbol of hope, dignity and the enduring quest for justice.
In a direct message to political and administrative authorities, he called for “real and honest dialogue”, insisting that peace cannot be imposed but must be built collectively, with sincerity and courage.
The Pontiff also took a firm stance against corruption, warning that it erodes trust, undermines leadership and deprives the poor. He called on leaders to “break these chains” and serve the population with justice and truth.
Extending his message to the global stage, Pope Leo XIV criticised world powers and war profiteers, accusing them of fuelling destruction while vulnerable populations suffer. He denounced the exploitation of resources in conflict-affected regions, saying it perpetuates instability and death.
He further warned against the misuse of religion for political or economic gain, stating that faith must unite rather than divide. In this light, he commended the people of the region for preserving interfaith harmony, urging Christians and Muslims to continue living together in peace.
Addressing young people and families, the Pope encouraged resilience and responsibility, telling the youth that their future is shaped by courage rather than conflict, and reminding families of their central role in building peace.
He concluded with a call for lasting change, urging the people of Cameroon to choose peace, justice and love, even in the face of difficulty, and offered prayers for healing and stability across the country.