Pope Leo delivered a sharp rebuke of global political leadership on Thursday, accusing a “handful of tyrants” of plunging the world into conflict and prioritising war over human development.
Speaking in Bamenda, a major city in Cameroon’s troubled anglophone region, the pontiff criticised governments that channel vast financial resources into warfare while neglecting critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
“The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild,” he said, lamenting what he described as a global imbalance in priorities.
The pope’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following public criticism from US President Donald Trump, who had earlier attacked Leo on social media over his stance on international conflicts. Despite the criticism, Leo has maintained his position, choosing not to respond directly while continuing to speak out against war.
During his address, the Catholic leader also condemned the use of religion as a justification for violence, warning against what he called the manipulation of faith for political and military gain.
“Woe to those who exploit the name of God for their own interests, dragging what is sacred into darkness,” he said, describing the current global climate as “a world turned upside down.”
Leo’s comments have drawn support from global religious figures, including Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, who endorsed his call for peace and moral accountability among world leaders.
The pope’s visit to Cameroon, part of a broader African tour, has also spotlighted the country’s long-running anglophone crisis. Addressing thousands of worshippers at a Mass in Bamenda, Leo called for unity and urged both local authorities and international actors to prioritise peace and justice.
He criticised foreign exploitation of Africa’s resources, linking it to persistent poverty across the continent, and called for immediate action to address inequality and underdevelopment.
In the capital, Yaoundé, Leo had earlier urged the government of President Paul Biya — at 93 the world’s oldest ruler — to tackle corruption and resist undue external influence.
The pope’s presence in Bamenda has brought cautious optimism, with a separatist alliance announcing a temporary three-day ceasefire to allow safe movement during his visit. The conflict between government forces and separatist groups has claimed more than 6,500 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands over nearly a decade.
Leo acknowledged the deep divisions but expressed hope that the crisis could still be resolved peacefully. He noted with relief that the conflict had not escalated into a religious war and encouraged collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders to mediate a lasting solution.
Reaffirming his stance, the pope stressed that silence in the face of injustice was not an option, signalling that he would continue to speak out against violence and inequality on the global stage.
Sources: Reuters
