The Pope Leo XIV delivered a sermon today at a community peace gathering in Bamenda, Cameroon:
"Those who manipulate religion for their own military, economic, and political interests, who defile the name of God, dragging sacred things into darkness and filth—these shall surely face disaster."
The Pope’s remarks were not abstract accusations, but a direct reference to his immediate context. The city of Bamenda, which he visited, lies at the heart of the separatist conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. This decade-long conflict has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
By speaking here, the Pope aimed to stand in solidarity with local communities, referring to the area as "a region ravaged by suffering," and commending the joint peace initiative led by Christians and Muslims alike, which brings comfort and hope to those enduring hardship.
This speech also unfolded against a broader international backdrop. Prior to his visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV had engaged in a public "verbal clash" with then-U.S. President Donald Trump over his criticism of America's military actions against Iran.
The Pope’s stance: He had previously spoken out publicly against "the madness of war," stating unequivocally, "God does not hear prayers from those who wage war."
Trump’s response: On social media, Trump attacked the Pope, calling him "weak and ineffective," and even released controversial AI-generated images portraying himself as Jesus Christ.
Thus, although unnamed, the Pope’s address in Cameroon was widely interpreted as an indirect response and moral critique of Trump and his administration’s policies.
The Pope sternly condemned those who instrumentalize religious faith, committing injustice in God’s name. He argued that waging war for worldly power, wealth, and territory constitutes a profound desecration and profanation of sacred belief.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV’s words express deep anguish over the ongoing conflict in Cameroon, while also delivering a firm moral condemnation of global power politics and warfare. Standing on the high ground of faith, he calls for peace and demands that those in power take responsibility for their actions on ethical grounds.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862660951044096/
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