Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace During Africa Tour, Meets Orphans in Cameroon

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon on April 15, 2026, as part of an 11-day trip across Africa. He met with orphaned children at a care facility in Yaounde, telling them directly: "God is present." The visit drew international attention after separatist groups in the country's Anglophone regions announced a three-day ceasefire to mark his arrival.

In Algeria, the pope called for fraternal coexistence and cited the legacy of Saint Augustine, who was born in North Africa. He urged Algerian leaders to protect religious minorities and promote dialogue between faiths.

In Cameroon, Pope Leo addressed government officials and civil society leaders, calling on the country to "break the chains of corruption" and pursue lasting peace. The country has faced years of armed conflict between government forces and Anglophone separatists in its western regions.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the pope also held a peace meeting with representatives from both sides of the Cameroonian conflict. No formal agreement was reached, but both parties agreed to continue talks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently mediated a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials, praised the pope's Africa trip as a model of faith-based diplomacy.

The trip continues through April 22, with additional stops planned in sub-Saharan Africa. The Vatican said the pope will address issues of poverty, education, and access to clean water at each stop.