Pope Leo strongly criticised world leaders who spend billions on war, warning that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” during his visit to Cameroon.
He condemned those who misuse religion for personal gain and accused powerful figures of manipulating the name of God while regions suffer from violence and instability.
The remarks came shortly after a public clash with Donald Trump, who had criticised the Pope over his stance on global conflicts, particularly the US-Israeli military actions involving Iran.
The Pope reiterated his concern over escalating tensions, warning that continued aggression could lead to catastrophic consequences for entire civilizations.
Despite the criticism, he stated that he would not engage in personal disputes but would continue advocating for peace and dialogue.
Speaking in Bamenda, a region deeply affected by insurgency, he highlighted the imbalance between massive military spending and the lack of resources for education, healthcare, and rebuilding communities.
He warned that profits from exploited resources are often reinvested in weapons, fuelling a continuous cycle of violence and suffering.
The Pope called for unity and compassion, urging people to embrace peace by treating one another as brothers and sisters.
He also denounced the ongoing conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, describing it as a “bloodstained” crisis that has caused thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Reaffirming his stance, the Pope declared that faith should never be used to justify war, emphasising that true religious values stand for peace, not violence.
