Pope Leo XIV holds mass in Douala, Cameroon, amid calls for peace and a spat with US President Donald Trump
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Pope Leo XIV held a large open-air mass in Douala, Cameroon, drawing tens of thousands of people. This event is a highlight of his 11-day African tour, during which he has made impassioned pleas for world peace and engaged in a public disagreement with US President Donald Trump. Trump had criticized the Pope for calling for an end to the war in the Middle East, to which the Pope responded by stating that "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants." Despite the spat, the Pope has been met with enthusiastic crowds throughout Cameroon. The mass took place at Douala鈥檚 50,000-seater Japoma Stadium, followed by a visit to Saint Paul鈥檚 Catholic hospital. The Pope's visit has also touched on local issues, with some Cameroonian Catholics expressing concern that it could enhance the image of President Paul Biya, who has governed since 1982. Douala experienced a violent crackdown on protests following Biya's re-election. Without directly naming Trump or Biya, Pope Leo XIV has delivered pointed speeches, criticizing those who manipulate religion for personal gain and those who exploit and plunder the African continent. He urged Cameroonian leaders to combat corruption and abuses, emphasizing that security must always respect human rights. The Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, expressed hope that the Pope's visit would help resolve the country's ongoing crises. The Catholic Church holds significant social influence in Cameroon, where over a third of the 30 million population ar
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