Pope Leo XIV Promotes Peace in Cameroon Amid Conflict

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday for a three-day visit, marking the second leg of his African tour. His arrival was welcomed by thousands of people who gathered at the airport in Yaoundé.

The visit aims to address the nearly decade-long separatist conflict in the country, with hopes of delivering a message of peace. During his trip, the Pope is scheduled to meet with President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, and will visit a Catholic orphanage.

The Pope's itinerary also includes a speech and mass celebration in Bamenda, a region heavily affected by the conflict. The visit comes amid a backdrop of violence, with over 6,000 deaths reported since the conflict escalated in 2016.

Archbishop Andrew Nkea expressed hope that the Pope's presence would foster peace in the region. The Pope will leave Cameroon for Angola on Saturday after his visit.