Pope Leo XIV told Cameroon’s government to root out corruption to find peace during his address to authorities at the Presidential Palace in Yaoundé on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The Pope spoke after a private meeting with President Paul Biya, advocating for an “unarmed” peace not based on fear, threats or weapons, and calling for women’s rights as part of building a just society.
His remarks came on the third day of his four-nation Apostolic Journey across Africa, which began in Algeria and continued to Cameroon before planned visits to Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
Pope links peace to anti-corruption efforts
In his speech to Cameroonian authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV stated that lasting peace requires confronting corruption directly, framing it as a barrier to stability and human dignity.
He connected this message to his earlier themes from Algeria, where he emphasized bridge-building and dialogue, now applying those principles to Cameroon’s specific challenges of governance and social equity.
Visit highlights Cameroon’s cultural diversity
The Pope arrived at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport to crowds waving Vatican and Cameroonian flags, singing in English and French, with occasional Italian greetings heard along the route to the Presidential Palace.
Large gatherings lined the streets wearing colorful clothing that contrasted with the city’s green landscape, dancing to percussion and brass music as they welcomed him with palpable joy.
Orphanage visit underscores pastoral focus
After meeting authorities, Pope Leo XIV visited the Ngal Zamba Orphanage run by the Daughters of Mary, where children in blue papal visit outfits sang and cheered, surrounding him with songs as he departed.
The sisters and children paraded him out with continuous singing and clapping, reflecting the joyful tone of his engagement with vulnerable communities during the journey.
What did the Pope say about peace in Cameroon?
He called for an “unarmed” peace that is not based on fear, threats or weapons, and linked it to rooting out corruption and advancing women’s rights.
How long will the Pope stay in Cameroon?
According to Vatican News reports from his arrival, he will be in Cameroon until Saturday, April 18, before traveling to Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
