By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Leo XIV departed Algeria on Wednesday for a four-day visit to Cameroon, where he is expected to deliver a message of peace, including a visit to a region affected by a long-running separatist conflict.
The trip follows a historic visit to Algeria, the first by a pope, which was overshadowed by security incidents and diplomatic tensions with Donald Trump.
In Cameroon, where over a third of the population is Catholic, the Church plays a significant role in mediation efforts and social services. The pontiff is scheduled to meet President Paul Biya, Africa’s longest-serving leader, in a meeting that has drawn mixed reactions among local clergy.
Pope Leo is also expected to visit a Catholic orphanage and hold discussions with bishops before travelling to the conflict-affected Anglophone region, where separatist groups have been engaged in clashes with government forces since 2016.
Separatist leaders have announced a temporary ceasefire to allow the visit, during which the pope will deliver an address and celebrate Mass in Bamenda, a key centre of the unrest.
Religious leaders, including Archbishop Andrew Nkea, have expressed hope that the visit will help ease tensions and promote dialogue in the region.
The pope is also expected to hold a major Mass in Douala before continuing his African tour to Angola.
During his Algeria visit, Pope Leo visited historic Christian sites linked to Saint Augustine and called for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Despite criticism from US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, the pontiff maintained his stance on promoting peace, stating that he remained committed to advocating for dialogue amid global conflicts.
