Pope Leo XIV is set to arrive in Cameroon on Wednesday, marking the second leg of his African tour, which has already been overshadowed by criticism from Donald Trump and security concerns following attacks in Algeria.
The pontiff will begin his four-day visit with a meeting with President Paul Biya, the 93-year-old leader who has ruled since 1982. The planned private talks have sparked division among Catholics in Cameroon, who make up about a third of the population, with some clergy warning the meeting could boost Biya’s image following a controversial re-election and violent crackdown on protests.
On Thursday, the 70-year-old pope is scheduled to travel under tight security to Bamenda, the epicentre of the country’s separatist conflict. There, he will pray for peace with around 20,000 worshippers.
The unrest stems from the long-running Anglophone Crisis, rooted in tensions between the country’s French-speaking majority and English-speaking minority. The crisis escalated in 2016 after a harsh government crackdown on protests, leading to a prolonged conflict that has claimed over 6,000 lives by 2024, according to rights groups.
Earlier in his tour, Leo visited Algeria, where he paid tribute to Saint Augustine and led mass at a major basilica. However, his visit coincided with twin suicide attacks in the city of Blida, though authorities say the incidents were not linked to his presence.
The pope has also brushed off criticism from Washington, after Trump said he was “not a big fan” of him over his stance on Middle East peace. US Vice President JD Vance similarly urged the Vatican to avoid political commentary. Responding, Leo emphasized his mission, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and insisted he has no fear in speaking out on the Gospel’s message.
Cameroon, often referred to as “mini-Africa” due to its ethnic and religious diversity, is hosting its fourth papal visit. The capital, Yaoundé, has been decorated in anticipation, while the pope is expected to conclude his trip with a massive open-air mass in Douala on Friday.
