️ Pope Leo XIV, during his Africa tour, has intensified his condemnation of war and resource exploitation, delivering a sharp critique at a peace meeting in Bamenda, Cameroon. He denounced a "handful of tyrants" who allegedly spend billions to "ravage" the world through war and exploitation, perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilization and death, and warned against those manipulating religion and God's name for military, economic, and political gain.

️ The pontiff's remarks have heightened tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly lashed out at the pope over his criticism of war in general and aspects of the U.S. regime's Iran policy. Leo's words on "dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth" are seen as a direct challenge to rhetoric from the Pentagon, where officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have reportedly sought to brand operations in Iran as a "holy war," reflecting broader geopolitical friction.

️ Bamenda is the epicenter of a conflict between government forces and English-speaking separatists in Cameroon, a nation rich in oil, natural gas, bauxite, cobalt, iron ore, gold, and diamonds. After English speakers voted to join French Cameroon in 1961, they faced political and economic marginalization, leading to violence when peaceful protests were crushed in 2016. The conflict has resulted in over 6,000 civilian deaths, 600,000 displaced persons, and rampant kidnapping and extortion, highlighting deep societal divisions.

️ Archbishop of Bamenda Andrew Nkea Fuanya told the pope that people in the region are tormented by "a situation they did not create," adding, "Most Holy Father, today your feet are standing on the soil of Bamenda that has drunk the blood of many of our children." Leo praised peacemakers and called for every honest conscience to reject exploitation, emphasizing the moral imperative in global affairs.

️ The pope's message underscores ongoing crises in Africa and the complex interplay of religion, politics, and resources in international conflicts. His stance has drawn attention to the human cost of war and the challenges in achieving peace, particularly in regions like Cameroon where historical and economic factors fuel instability.

Source: www.dw.com