Pope Leo XIV led a peace meeting on April 16 in Bamenda, the largest city in Cameroon’s northwest region, an area affected by years of separatist violence. The event included testimonies from victims and religious leaders who have experienced the effects of the conflict firsthand.
The meeting was significant for many residents of Bamenda and surrounding areas, as it brought international attention to a crisis that has displaced communities and left children out of school. The pope’s visit aimed to encourage dialogue and hope among those impacted by the violence.
During the gathering at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Sister Carine Tangiri Mangu recounted her experience of being kidnapped by separatists and held hostage for three days. “We were held hostage for three days and three nights. During those days and nights, we neither slept nor ate,” she told Pope Leo. She added that praying the rosary kept their hope alive during captivity: “Most Holy Father, this is the situation under which many consecrated women do their work and live their lives within this war zone.”
In his address, Pope Leo said, “I am here to proclaim peace,” receiving an enthusiastic response from attendees. He criticized those who profit from war: “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.” He also condemned investments in weapons over resources for healing.
Local leaders described ongoing attacks against civilians—including incidents where armed men killed worshippers at mosques or targeted cattle rearers—and shared how displacement has forced families like Denis Salo’s into poverty after fleeing violence.
Religious figures highlighted efforts toward reconciliation through dialogue with both government forces and separatist fighters. Archbishop Andrew Nkea welcomed Pope Leo with reference to biblical prophecy about messengers bringing peace: “Today your feet are standing on the soil of Bamenda that has drunk the blood of many of our children.”
Concluding his visit before returning to Yaoundé, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at Bamenda International Airport before thousands gathered there. In his homily he urged Cameroonians: “This is the moment to change… now and not in the future,” encouraging unity across Cameroon’s diverse communities.
