Africa-Press – Namibia. Placido Hilukilwa
THE worldwide leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, described Africa as a “reserve of joy and hope” and called himself a “pilgrim of peace” during a four-country visit to the continent.
In Muslim-majority Algeria, he delivered a strong message of peace, fraternity, and interfaith dialogue.
In Cameroon, the Pope shared a message of hope, peace, and faith, urging youth to reject violence and corruption and pursue the common good.
“Do not give in to distrust and discouragement. Reject every form of abuse or violence which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart,” said the Pope.
He urged leaders to break the chains of corruption and called on security forces to respect human rights.
The Pope criticised leaders who spend billions on “killing and devastation” or turn a blind eye to it, while resources for healing, education, and restoration are lacking.
Leo arrived in Angola on Saturday and met President João Lourenço. He prayed for victims of recent flooding in Benguela Province and expressed closeness with those who lost homes.
He advised Angolan authorities “not to suppress the visions of youth and the dreams of the elderly”.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane from Cameroon to Angola, Pope Leo said he is in Africa to encourage Catholics and has “no interest at all” in debating US President Donald Trump about the Iran war. He will continue to preach the Gospel message of peace.
A war of words erupted between Trump and the Pope after the US-born leader of the Catholic Church criticised Trump’s immigration policies and the US war in Iran.
Trump responded by labelling the Pope as “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy”.
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