‘I Am in Africa to Encourage Catholics — Not to Debate with Trump’
Pope Leo XIV has offered a warm and candid assessment of his three days in Cameroon and moved swiftly to correct what he described as an inaccurate narrative that has taken hold in some sections of the media surrounding his Apostolic Journey across Africa.
Addressing journalists shortly after take-off on the flight from Yaoundé to Luanda — the third and final leg of his African journey — the Pope described Cameroon as a country that “represents the heart of Africa in many different ways, both English-speaking and French-speaking, and with around 250 local languages.”
Setting the Record Straight
The Pope acknowledged that “there’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects” following comments made by United States President Donald Trump at the very start of the trip. He had addressed those remarks directly on the outbound flight from Rome, and considered the matter closed. However, Vice-President JD Vance subsequently added further criticism, prompting continued media speculation.
“Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said,” Pope Leo XIV told reporters.
He was particularly keen to clarify the reception of his address at the Prayer Meeting for Peace on April 16. That speech, he explained, had been prepared two weeks in advance — well before President Trump’s remarks — yet it was widely read as a rejoinder.
“It was viewed as if I was trying to debate again with the president, which is not in my interest at all.”
— Pope Leo XIV
A Pastoral Mission: Building Peace and Dialogue
As he had on the outbound journey from Rome, the Holy Father reiterated that his presence on the continent is fundamentally pastoral. “I primarily come to Africa as pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church, to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany all of the Catholics throughout Africa,” he said.
Pope Leo also spoke warmly of a “very fine meeting” with a group of Imams at the Apostolic Nunciature in Yaoundé, underlining the urgent need to promote “dialogue, fraternity, understanding, acceptance, and peace-building with people of all faiths” — a thread that runs through his pontificate as it did through that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He also expressed particular delight at the previous day’s visit to the Catholic University of Central Africa, where he blessed a sculpture featuring a map of Africa with Saint Augustine at its centre. “This expresses part of what this Church is about,” he reflected.
Justice, Wealth and the Gospel
Turning to the broader social landscape of the continent, Pope Leo addressed the pressing reality of “unequal distribution of wealth” across Africa. Cameroon, he observed, is a nation rich in opportunity, yet this potential must translate into justice for all its people.
As the plane turned towards Angola, the Holy Father captured the spirit of the journey in a few words: “We continue proclaiming the Gospel message — the beauty of what it means to follow Christ, to promote fraternity and brotherhood, to trust in the Lord, but also to seek justice and peace in our world.”
Gratitude to Cameroon, and ‘See You in Angola’
Through Charles Ebune of Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) — the only Cameroonian journalist on the papal flight — Pope Leo XIV conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the people of that nation: “For the wonderful welcome, the great enthusiasm, the joy of the people — it was absolutely fantastic.” He described the faith community’s shared enthusiasm as a profound reminder of “how wonderful it is to experience what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to celebrate our faith together.”
The Holy Father concluded his greeting to the approximately 70 journalists on board with characteristic warmth: “I’m very happy to greet all of you, and thank you for the work that you’re doing. I hope that the Lord will continue to bless all of us on this trip.”
His parting words set the tone for what lies ahead: “See you in Angola!”
Vatican News
