Pope Leo has issued a sharp condemnation of global leaders he described as "tyrants" and "masters of war," accusing them of squandering billions on military conflicts while neglecting essential human needs. The Pontiff made these remarks during a visit to Cameroon, a region grappling with a prolonged and deadly insurgency.
Speaking in the northwestern city of Bamenda, Pope Leo criticized those who "manipulate the very name of God" for personal or political gain. He highlighted the stark contrast between vast expenditures on warfare and the scarcity of resources for healing, education, and rebuilding communities.
"The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild," the Pope told the gathered crowd, condemning an "endless cycle of destabilisation and death."
He specifically addressed the situation in Cameroon, noting that profits from resource extraction in conflict zones are often reinvested in weapons, perpetuating violence. His comments come as part of a broader tour across Africa, underscoring the continent's significance to the Catholic Church, which counts over 288 million followers there.
This forceful rhetoric follows a recent public dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized the Pope online after Leo expressed concerns about Trump's threats regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. The Pope has previously questioned the Trump administration's policies on immigration, marking a continued strain in their relationship.
Pope Leo's Africa tour, spanning 11 cities across four nations, represents his second major international trip since his election last year, emphasizing his focus on global peace and justice amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.