Pope Leo XIV is set to arrive in Cameroon today, marking the second leg of his African tour overshadowed by security concerns and political tensions following events in Algeria and criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The 70-year-old pontiff will begin his four-day visit with a private meeting with Cameroon’s long-serving leader, Paul Biya, who at 93 is the world’s oldest sitting head of state. The meeting has sparked division among Catholics in the country, who make up roughly one-third of the population.
Some clergy members have expressed concern that the visit could bolster Biya’s image, coming months after protests over his contested re-election were reportedly suppressed.
“This visit must remain pastoral, not political,” a senior clergy member said, reflecting wider unease within the church.
Biya, who has ruled since 1982 and is currently serving his eighth term, continues to face criticism over governance and human rights issues.
A key highlight of the pope’s visit is a high-security trip to Bamenda, the epicentre of the country’s Anglophone crisis. The conflict between government forces and English-speaking separatists has persisted for nearly a decade.
During the visit, Pope Leo XIV is expected to pray for peace before an estimated 20,000 worshippers.
The crisis, rooted in longstanding tensions between French- and English-speaking regions, escalated after protests in the 2010s were met with a heavy crackdown, leading to armed conflict.
Rights groups estimate that more than 6,000 people had been killed as of two years ago, with thousands more displaced.
The pope’s African tour began in Algeria, where he visited sites linked to early Christianity, including the birthplace of Saint Augustine. He also celebrated mass at a basilica known for attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.
In his message, he urged Christians to promote peace through everyday actions.
“Bear witness to the Gospel through simple gestures, genuine relationships and a dialogue lived out day by day,” he said.
However, his visit was overshadowed by twin suicide attacks in the city of Blida. While authorities have yet to release an official statement, sources confirmed the incidents, noting that no fatalities were recorded apart from the attackers.
The pope’s trip has also drawn criticism from Donald Trump, who said he was “not a big fan” of the pontiff following comments on Middle East peace.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, suggesting the Vatican should focus on moral issues rather than political discourse.
Responding to the remarks, Pope Leo XIV dismissed the criticism, emphasizing his commitment to peace.
“The Gospel says… blessed are the peacemakers,” he told reporters aboard the papal plane.
“I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
Pope Leo XIV’s visit marks the fourth papal trip to Cameroon, often referred to as “mini-Africa” due to its cultural and ethnic diversity.
The capital, Yaoundé, has been adorned with banners and flags in anticipation of his arrival.
Later in the week, the pope is expected to celebrate mass before hundreds of thousands of faithful in Douala, the country’s economic hub.
He will conclude his Cameroon visit before heading to Angola as part of his broader African tour.
