Pope's visit to Cameroon divides Catholic community

The upcoming four-day visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon has sparked division within the country's Catholic community. Concerns have been raised that the visit could be used by President Paul Biya to improve his image following a contested re-election in October, which was met with deadly repression of protests. President Biya, 93, has been in power since 1982 and is the oldest head of state. Some Catholics fear the visit might legitimize his regime internationally. Influential Jesuit priest Ludovic Lado, known for his radical views, expressed his reservations on Facebook, noting the Pope's refusal of invitations from other leaders while accepting Biya's. Lado also sent a letter to the Vatican outlining his concerns but has since been instructed not to speak on the matter. Jean-Baptiste Homsi, a Catholic and opposition figure, wrote an open letter to Pope Leo XIV acknowledging that the visit could be perceived as an endorsement of the "dictatorial regime" and a "validation of electoral theft." However, Homsi, like many Cameroonian prelates, supports the visit, viewing it as an opportunity for the Pope to address those in power. Samuel Kleda, the Archbishop of Douala, stated that the visit is an opportunity for peace and transformation, and he also highlighted the plight of those imprisoned without trial after the post-election crisis. Archbishop Kleda has previously been critical of President Biya, as have other bishops. Conversely, Jean Mbarga, the Archbishop of Yaoundé, a pr