Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticised the global exploitation of Africa, stating that individuals and entities who plunder the continent’s natural resources often channel the proceeds into the production and purchase of weapons, thereby fueling cycles of violence and instability.

The Pope made these remarks during his visit to Cameroon on Thursday, where he expressed concern over the role of powerful global actors in sustaining conflict. He accused international leaders of deliberately ignoring the enormous financial resources being spent on warfare, destruction, and human suffering, while critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and reconstruction remain severely underfunded.

According to him, the continuous diversion of wealth into arms perpetuates an ongoing pattern of chaos and death, especially in regions already burdened by conflict. He lamented that while destruction can occur within moments, rebuilding societies, infrastructure, and lives often takes decades, if not generations.

The pontiff also drew attention to the prolonged crisis in parts of Cameroon, where insurgency has persisted for nearly ten years, leaving communities devastated and populations displaced. He described the situation as a tragic example of how violence is sustained by both local and international dynamics.

His comments come at a time of noticeable differences between him and Donald Trump, particularly on global policy issues such as immigration and border control, further highlighting his stance on humanitarian and moral responsibility in international affairs.