DOUALA, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV launched a passionate appeal to authorities in Cameroon to invest in the education and training of young people for lasting peace in the central African nation, where he embarked on a three-day apostolic visit Wednesday.
In his April 15 meeting with civic authorities and the diplomatic corps at the presidential palace on the first day of his visit, Pope Leo described young people as Cameroon's greatest asset and a key to its future, noting that their frustrations mount when they feel that they are not gainfully employed.
"As I have often mentioned, young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures," the Holy Father said, adding: "Of course, when unemployment and social exclusion persist, frustration can lead to violence."
"Investing in the education, training, and entrepreneurship of young people is, therefore, a strategic choice for peace," he said.
According to the Holy Father, investing in young people is one of the best ways to curb the outflow of talent to other parts of the world.
It is also a good way to combat "the scourges of drugs, prostitution, and apathy, which are devastating too many young lives in an increasingly dramatic way," he said.
"Thankfully, young people in Cameroon possess a deep spirituality that still resists the homogenizing influence of the market," he said. "It is a source of energy that gives value to their dreams, which are rooted in the prophecies that nourish their prayers and their hearts."
The Holy Father said that when the young people are not twisted by what he described as "the poison of fundamentalism and religious traditions" they become prophets of peace, justice, forgiveness, and solidarity.
The pope also highlighted the spiritual strength of Cameroon's youth, noting that despite challenges, many remain deeply rooted in faith.
He expressed particular concern for young people, urging that they be empowered to play an active role in shaping society. "It is my great desire to reach the hearts of all, especially young people, who are called to help shape a world that is more just, including in the political sphere," he said.
In his address, Pope Leo also lauded the richness of the country's land, cultures, languages, and traditions, noting that such resources should not be perceived as weakness but as a treasure to be cherished.
"It is with deep joy that I find myself in Cameroon, often described as 'Africa in miniature' because of the richness of its lands, cultures, languages, and traditions. This variety is not a weakness but a treasure," he said.
The pontiff added that the country's richness as compared to its treasure "constitutes a promise of fraternity and a solid foundation for building lasting peace."
The Holy Father also said that Cameroon possesses the human, cultural, and spiritual resources needed to overcome its trials and conflicts and move toward a future of stability and shared prosperity.
"The common effort in favor of dialogue, justice, and integral development must transform the wounds of the past into sources of renewal," he said.
The pope also called for stronger interreligious cooperation, emphasizing its importance in promoting peace.
"By fostering interreligious dialogue and involving religious leaders in mediation and reconciliation, politics and diplomacy can draw upon moral forces capable of easing tensions, preventing extremism, and promoting a culture of mutual esteem and respect," he said.
He also affirmed the Catholic Church's commitment to serving all people in Cameroon without distinction.
"Through her efforts in education, health care, and charity, the Church in Cameroon desires to continue serving all citizens," he said, adding that it also seeks collaboration with civil authorities and other partners in promoting human dignity and reconciliation.
Addressing the broader mission of his visit, the pope said he came "as a shepherd and as a servant of dialogue, fraternity, and peace," emphasizing that his presence was a sign of the pope's affection for all Cameroonians and a call to persevere in building the common good.
"We are living in a time when hopelessness is rampant and a sense of powerlessness tends to paralyze renewal," he said, adding: "There is such a hunger and thirst for justice, for involvement, for vision, for courageous choices, and for peace."
The Holy Father expressed hope for stronger relations between the Holy See and Cameroon, grounded in shared values. He prayed that God would bless the nation, guide its leaders, strengthen civil society, enlighten the diplomatic corps, and grant all citizens the grace to build a future of justice and peace together.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
