Pope Leo XIV Urges Cameroon to Tackle Corruption and Rights Abuses

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Yaounde: Pope Pope Leo XIV has urged Cameroon’s authorities to confront corruption and respect human rights during the first day of his visit to the country.

Addressing officials in the capital Yaounde, the pope called on leaders to “examine their conscience” and break what he described as the “chains of corruption.” His remarks were delivered in the presence of President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982.

The pope stressed that security must always go hand in hand with respect for human rights, and said public authorities should act as “bridges, never as sources of division,” even amid insecurity.

Meanwhile, 93-year-old Cameroonian president, Paul Biya said that the world needs a message of peace, justice, tolerance, forgiveness, and love."

Without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump or the conflict with Iran, Biya said Pope Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cameroon was taking place at a “particularly difficult international moment.”

His comments come amid criticism from civil society groups, which have reported an “unprecedented period of repression” following recent elections. Rights organisations also called for the release of political prisoners, many of whom have not been formally sentenced.

Cameroon has long faced corruption concerns, ranking low on global transparency indices, while President Biya’s administration has also faced criticism over long overseas stays and governance issues.

The pope also called for peace in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where a separatist conflict has continued for years. He is expected to visit the region later in his tour under tight security.