Pope Leo XIV Condemns Exploitation of Africa, Calls for Unity and Development

Pope Leo XIV criticised foreign exploitation of Africa, saying it fuels poverty and underdevelopment, and urged unity and better use of the continent’s resources. During his visit to Cameroon, he held Mass at Japoma Stadium and met with academics to discuss Africa’s development.

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday delivered a strong message against the continued exploitation of Africa by foreign interests, warning that the extraction of the continent’s vast natural wealth without corresponding development has played a major role in sustaining poverty and underdevelopment. He stressed that Africa’s resources should serve its people first, rather than benefiting external actors at the expense of local progress and stability.
Addressing a gathering during his visit to Cameroon, part of a wider four-country African tour, the pope called for a renewed commitment to unity and cooperation across the continent. He urged leaders and citizens alike to recognise the strength found in Africa’s diversity and to work collectively toward building a future where the continent’s human and natural resources are harnessed for inclusive growth. According to him, the urgency of this mission cannot be overstated, emphasizing that meaningful action must begin immediately rather than being deferred to the future.
The pope’s remarks come at a time when many African nations continue to grapple with the challenges of resource control, economic inequality, and foreign dependency. His call to “restore the mosaic of unity” highlighted the need for stronger regional collaboration, responsible governance, and policies that prioritize long-term development over short-term gains driven by external interests.
On the third day of his stay in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a large open-air Mass at the Japoma Stadium, one of the country’s newest and most prominent sporting venues, capable of accommodating around 50,000 people. The gathering attracted thousands of worshippers from across the region, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith and solidarity. The Mass served not only as a religious event but also as a moment of reflection on the broader social and economic issues facing the continent.
In addition to his public address and Mass, the pope also took time to engage with the academic community, meeting with scholars and intellectuals at the Catholic University of Central Africa. During this interaction, discussions centered on the role of education, ethical leadership, and intellectual responsibility in shaping Africa’s future. He encouraged academics to contribute actively to nation-building by promoting critical thinking, integrity, and solutions that address the continent’s unique challenges.
The visit underscores the Vatican’s continued interest in Africa’s development and stability, as well as its recognition of the continent’s growing importance on the global stage. Through his speeches and engagements, Pope Leo XIV sought to inspire both leaders and ordinary citizens to take ownership of Africa’s future, emphasizing that sustainable progress will depend on unity, accountability, and the fair management of the continent’s abundant resources.