At Unity Palace meeting: Pope lectures Biya regime on rescuing country from woes.

Pope Leo XIV addressed a gathering of State dignitaries and the civil society, in the presence of the Head of State, Paul Biya, calling for shifts in the conduct of the business of governance, to prioritise the common good.

The Holy Father praised the country’s potentials but also revisited its many challenges, reminding those in the corridors of power on what could be done to reverse certain challenges.

The Vicar of Christ touched on aspects which, observers say, are a representation of what the country is going through. He offered advice on what could be done to turn things around in the country.

Qualifying himself as a “shepherd and as a servant of dialogue, fraternity and peace”, Pope Leo reminded authorities of the windows available to open a new trajectory.

The Holy Father called for peace that transcends peculiar interests, insisting on the urgent need for those in power to, at all times, consider those they are leading.

He prescribed a leadership that is sensitive to the minorities and majority, insisting that genuine peace “can’t be decreed”. 

The Holy Father named in abundance, corrective measures which can rewrite the country’s history.

The Bishop of Rome recalled the previous visits of other Popes to the country, raising pertinent questions before advancing his message.

“I know that these are important moments in your country’s history, as they are compelling exhortations to a spirit of service, unity, and justice,” he stated, retorting that: “We may therefore ask ourselves: where are we now? How has the Word that was proclaimed to us borne fruit? And what remains to be done?”.

Inferring from Saint Augustine that those in power must rule from the perspective of love, duty to others and mercy, the Head of the Catholic Church gave a clue of what real leadership is.

He reiterated that “…serving one’s country means dedicating oneself, with a clear mind and an upright conscience, to the common good of all people in the nation”. 

He added that: “This includes dedication to both the majority of the population and the minorities, as well as their mutual harmony”. 

‘Peace can’t be reduced to a slogan’

Revisiting the crisis in the North West and South West Regions and Boko Haram-induced violence in the Far North Region, the Pope catalogued the pains, indicating that in such an atmosphere “…young people no longer see a future”.

He condemned the logic of violence and war, declaring that: “Peace cannot be reduced to a slogan: it must be embodied in a way of life that renounces all forms of violence…”.

Pope Leo XIV noted that the world is thirsty for peace, affirming that: “Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction and exile!”.

While noting that peace is a gift from God, the Pope reminded authorities that it “…cannot be decreed: it must be embraced and lived”. 

The responsibility to uphold peace, the Pope noted, lies on everyone, “beginning with civil authorities”. 

‘Govern means listening to citizens’

The Pope indicated that God’s instruction for people to love their neighbours as themselves, applies to international relations and every nation.

He was unbending that: “To govern means truly listening to citizens, valuing their intelligence and their ability to help build lasting solutions to problems”. 

‘Open up to civil society’

On other components of society that must be given space in the construction of a nation, the Pope identified the civil society, describing it “…as a vital force for national cohesion”. 

He said: “Associations, women’s and youth organisations, trade unions, humanitarian NGOs as well as traditional and religious leaders, all play an irreplaceable role in weaving the fabric of social peace”. 

The civil society, he noted, can open lines for dialogue, and mediation. “Their close ties to the local community enable them to understand the root causes of conflicts and to identify appropriate solutions,” the Pope detailed.

He factored in the importance of giving women and youth a place in nation building. 

Women in particular, the Pope said, “…are often, unfortunately, the first victims of prejudice and violence, yet, they are tireless peacemakers. 

‘Curb corruption, abuse of power’

The Holy Father underscored the role of women in rebuilding the society, adding that such “…is unparalleled and serves to curb corruption and abuse of power. For this reason, too, their voice must be fully recognised in decision making processes”.

“Indeed, in order for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption; which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility, must be broken,” the Holy Father averred. 

Pope Leo XIV, who is the third Pope to visit Cameroon since 1985, declared that “…transparency in the management of public resources and respect for the rule of law are essential to restoring trust”.

He remarked in the presence of all authorities that: “It is time to examine our consciences and take a bold leap forward”. 

‘Public authorities must build bridges’

On other issues, the Holy Father noted that: “Just and credible institutions become pillars of stability,” before reminding all that: “Public authorities are called to serve as bridges, never as sources of division, even when insecurity seems prevalent”.

In the quest to ensure security, he enthused that human rights must not be sacrificed, especially when it comes to the weak.

He talked about “authentic peace,” which thrives where every voice is heard and protected. 

In such a society, he insisted that the law must not serve the rich and powerful. The Pope condemned what he said is the “idolatrous thirst for profit”.

‘Invest in youths to guarantee peace’

While noting that the energy and creativity of young people is priceless, the Pope identified exclusion and unemployment as vehicles of violence and frustration.

To address such, he said: “Investing in the education, training and entrepreneurship of young people is, therefore, a strategic choice for peace”. Such, he said, is the way to go to end brain drain. 

He said Cameroonian youths have a deep spirituality, which powers their dreams; “which are rooted in the prophecies that nourish their prayers and their hearts”.

Enter President Biya

Before the Holy Father took the floor, the Head of State, Paul Biya, had expressed delight that he is the third Pope to visit the country. He thanked him for giving the country the pride of place in his first Apostolic visit to Africa. 

Biya reminded the Pope about the international climate with conflicts that are resulting in deaths and misery, weakening growth.

Worry and doubt, he said, are in the heart of many. He however, sounded confident that the Pope, being a carrier of a message of peace and reconciliation, is of great importance to the country and humanity. 

Biya stated that the world needs new hope for dialogue and promotion of the wellbeing of humanity and not wars.

The Pope, he said, has been crusading peace, despite it being a challenging task. Biya said given the Pope’s faith and convictions, he is certain that he won’t give up. 

The world, he reiterated, needs a message of peace, justice and reconciliation.

He said as the Pope takes his message to Douala, Yaounde and Bamenda, he will witness how attached the people are attached to such values. 

The Head of State also talked about the country’s known religious tolerance, with several faiths coexisting. He praised the Catholic church for its contribution to the social peace of the country.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3762 of Thursday April 16, 2026