Pope Leo XIV had a long maiden visit to the African continent between April 13 and April 23, 2026, visiting four nations, fostering diplomatic ties and spreading the message of hope for the continent.
The pontiff visited Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. In several meetings, holy masses, and events in the above-mentioned countries, Pope Leo XIV delivered several messages to the African continent and the world.
To the African youth, the Pope urged them to multiply their talents through faith and perseverance.
“Be the first faces that bring bread to your neighbours. Despite the richness of the land in Cameroon, many experience both material and spiritual poverty. Reject every form of abuse or violence which deceives by promising easy gain but hardens the hearts and makes them insensitive,” the Pope told African youths.
“Your people are even richer than this land. Your treasures lie in your values: faith, family, hospitality, and work. Be the protagonists of the future, following the vocations that God has given to each of you. Don’t be corrupted by temptations that waste your energies and do not serve the progress of society,” the head of the Catholic church concluded his message for the African youths.
While commenting on the Middle East crisis, Pope Leo XIV pleaded with world leaders to serve their people with the dedication that lifts those who have fallen, rebuild wherever violence destroys, and shares fraternal bonds with joy.
The pontiff, however, condemned top world leaders for arrogantly propagating war.
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants. The masters of war pretend not to know that it only takes a moment to destroy, and often, a lifetime is not enough to build. They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education, and restoration are nowhere to be found. God doesn’t want this,” the Pope indicated.
“God’s Holy name must not be profaned by the will to dominate, by arrogance or by discrimination. It must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death. May your country (Equatorial Guinea) evaluate its own path of development and position itself on the international stage in the service of law and justice. In a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice,” Pope Leo XIV advised.
Pope, who is also the Bishop of Rome, condemned corruption and conflicts centred on natural resources, saying the world must overcome them.
“For peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption, which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility, must be broken. Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit.”
“I echo the appeal of Pope Francis, who passed away exactly a year ago. Today, we say thou shalt not have an economy of exclusion. It kills. The proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits with no regard for the international law of self-determination of the people. Jesus told us, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” but woe to those who manipulate in the very name of God for their own military, economic, or political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” Pope Leo XIV indicated.
“Dear Christians of Algeria, remain a humble and faithful sign of Christ’s love in this land. Be a witness to the Gospel through simple gestures. Dialogue with love every day. This way, you bring flavour and light to the places where you live,” the head of the Catholic church told the congregation.
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