Pope Leo XIV is set to arrive in Cameroon on Wednesday, marking the second leg of his African tour, which has already been overshadowed by criticism from Donald Trump and security concerns following suicide attacks in Algeria.
During his four-day visit, the pope will meet President Paul Biya before travelling to the conflict-affected Anglophone regions, where separatist groups have been engaged in a prolonged struggle with government forces for nearly a decade.
The planned meeting with Biya—who has ruled since 1982—has sparked mixed reactions among Catholics in the country, with some clergy expressing concern that it could improve the president’s image following disputed elections and unrest.
On Thursday, the pope will visit Bamenda, a key area in the conflict zone, where he will lead prayers for peace before thousands of worshippers. The crisis in the English-speaking regions, rooted in long-standing political and cultural tensions, escalated into violence in 2016 and has since claimed thousands of lives.
Earlier in Algeria, the pope began his historic African tour with a message of peace and interfaith unity, despite the visit being disrupted by twin suicide attacks in Blida. He urged Christians to promote dialogue and compassion in their daily lives.
The visit also drew political attention after Trump publicly criticised the pontiff, with US Vice President JD Vance adding that religious leaders should avoid political matters. In response, the pope reaffirmed his commitment to spreading a message of peace, stating that he would not be deterred.
Cameroon, often referred to as “mini-Africa” for its diversity, is hosting its fourth papal visit. The capital Yaoundé has been decorated in celebration, while a major public mass is scheduled in Douala before the pope continues his journey to Angola.
