Pope condemns foreign exploitation of Africa, says continent’s wealth is fuelling global conflicts instead of rebuilding lives…reports Asian Lite News
Pope Leo XIV strongly criticised foreign actors exploiting Africa’s resources for conflict, warning that wealth taken from the continent is too often redirected into weapons and violence, fuelling an endless cycle of instability and death.
Speaking during a peace meeting in Bamenda, the Pope said such practices reflect a distorted global order, where destruction is prioritised over healing, education and rebuilding shattered communities.
His remarks came on the second day of his visit to Cameroon, taking place amid a temporary pause in hostilities in the country’s English speaking regions, where separatist conflict has gripped communities for nearly a decade.
After meeting local authorities at the airport, the pontiff travelled to the Cathedral of St Joseph Bamenda, the seat of the Archdiocese, where he joined the local community for a gathering dedicated to peace.
The meeting began with prayer and brought together a wide range of voices, including traditional leaders, Christian and Muslim figures, a religious sister, and a family displaced by the conflict, reflecting the human toll of the crisis.
Listening to their testimonies, Pope Leo highlighted how shared suffering has strengthened faith and unity among the people of Bamenda. He praised their resilience, describing them as a community that has remained on a path of goodness despite enduring violence and hardship.
Drawing on scripture, he spoke of the beauty of those who bring peace, saying the people of Bamenda themselves have become messengers of hope. “I am here to proclaim peace,” he said, while noting that the community, through its perseverance, had already been living that message.
The Pope also pointed to growing cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders in the region, who have formed initiatives to mediate between opposing sides. He expressed hope that such interfaith collaboration could serve as a model for other parts of the world.
However, he issued a sharp warning against those who manipulate religion for political, economic or military gain, saying they drag what is sacred into “darkness and filth”.
He further criticised global priorities that allow billions to be spent on weapons while resources for healing and reconstruction remain scarce. Those who profit from Africa’s resources, he said, often channel that wealth back into conflict rather than development.
Describing this as an “upside down world”, Pope Leo called for a decisive change of course, urging a shift towards a more just and sustainable path rooted in human fraternity.
Addressing caregivers, particularly women supporting victims of violence, he expressed gratitude for their often unseen and dangerous work, recognising their role in rebuilding lives shattered by conflict.
He warned that while destruction can happen in a moment, rebuilding takes far longer, and lamented that those driving war often ignore this reality.
The Pope concluded by calling for what he described as a quiet but powerful movement of solidarity, urging people to embrace one another as brothers and sisters.
Echoing the words of Pope Francis, he said his mission is to be among the people and serve them, encouraging all to take part in building peace through everyday acts of compassion.
Despite the ongoing crisis, he noted there remains hope, pointing out that the conflict has not descended into a religious war and that efforts to live together in unity continue.
