The Supreme Pontiff passed on the message of peace at Paul Biya’s Glass House, upon his arrival in Cameroon on Wednesday April 15th 2026.
During his speech, « Investing in the education, training and entrepreneurship of young people « Pope Léo XIV launched a passionate appeal to authorities in Cameroon to invest in the education and training of the young people for lasting peace in the central African nation where he embarked on a three-day Apostolic visit.
In his April 15 meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and The Diplomatic Corps at the presidential palace on the first day of his visit, Pope Leo Pope Leo XIV described young people as Cameroon’s greatest asset and a key to its future, noting that their frustrations mount when they feel that they are not gainfully employed.
“As I have often mentioned, young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures,” the Holy Father said, and added, “Of course, when unemployment and social exclusion persist, frustration can lead to violence.”
“Investing in the education, training and entrepreneurship of young people is, therefore, a strategic choice for peace,” he said.
According to the Holy Father, investing in young people is only way to curb the outflow of talent to other parts of the world.
It is also the only way to combat “the scourges of drugs, prostitution and apathy, which are devastating too many young lives in an increasingly dramatic way,” he said.
“Thankfully, young people in Cameroon possess a deep spirituality that still resists the homogenizing influence of the market,” he said, and added, “It is a source of energy that gives value to their dreams, which are rooted in the prophecies that nourish their prayers and their hearts.”
The Holy Father said that when the young people are not twisted by what he described as “the poison of fundamentalism, and religious traditions” they become prophets of peace, justice, forgiveness and solidarity.
The Holy Father also highlighted the spiritual strength of Cameroon’s youth, noting that despite challenges, many remain deeply rooted in faith.
He expressed particular concern for young people, urging that they be empowered to play an active role in shaping society. “It is my great desire to reach the hearts of all, especially young people, who are called to help shape a world that is more just, including in the political sphere,” he said
In his address, Pope Leo also lauded the richness of the country’s land, cultures, languages, and traditions, noting that such resources should not be perceived as weakness but as a treasure to be cherished.
“It is with deep joy that I find myself in Cameroon, often described as “Africa in miniature” because of the richness of its lands, cultures, languages and traditions. This variety is not a weakness but a treasure,” he said.
The Pontiff added that the country’s richness as compared to its treasure “constitutes a promise of fraternity and a solid foundation for building lasting peace.”
The Holy Father said that Cameroon possesses the human, cultural, and spiritual resources needed to overcome its trials and conflicts and move toward a future of stability and shared prosperity.
“The common effort in favor of dialogue, justice, and integral development must transform the wounds of the past into sources of renewal,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV also called for stronger interreligious cooperation, emphasizing its importance in promoting peace.
“By fostering interreligious dialogue and involving religious leaders in mediation and reconciliation, politics and diplomacy can draw upon moral forces capable of easing tensions, preventing extremism, and promoting a culture of mutual esteem and respect,” he said.
He also affirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to serving all people in Cameroon without distinction.
“Through her efforts in education, healthcare, and charity, the Church in Cameroon desires to continue serving all citizens,” he said, adding that it also seeks collaboration with civil authorities and other partners in promoting human dignity and reconciliation.
Addressing the broader mission of his visit, the Pope said he came “as a shepherd and as a servant of dialogue, fraternity, and peace,” emphasizing that his presence was a sign of the Pope’s affection for all Cameroonians and a call to persevere in building the common good.
We are living in a time when hopelessness is rampant and a sense of powerlessness tends to paralyze renewal,” he said, adding, “There is such a hunger and thirst for justice, for involvement, for vision, for courageous choices, and for peace.”
The Holy Father expressed hope for stronger relations between the Holy See and Cameroon, grounded in shared values.
He prayed that God would bless the nation, guide its leaders, strengthen civil society, enlighten the diplomatic corps, and grant all citizens the grace to build a future of justice and peace together.
Nieh Mercy