Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, has condemned the practice of people coming to Africa to steal resources that God blessed the continent with.
Speaking in Cameroon, the Pope said many of the problems Africa faces are caused by individuals from other countries who arrive with the intention of exploiting Africans for their own gain.
He noted that those who plunder resources such as gold often use the profits to purchase weapons of war, a practice he described as unacceptable.
“Africa is richly blessed by God, but these blessings are being taken by others who do not have the interests of Africans at heart,” Pope Leo XIV said. “The wealth from our soil is used to buy arms that bring more suffering to our people.”
The Pontiff stressed that the cycle of exploitation and conflict must end, calling on both foreign actors and local collaborators to respect the dignity and rights of African nations.
He urged leaders and citizens to protect the continent’s resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks come during his pastoral visit to Africa, which began earlier this week.
The Holy Father is still on the continent and is expected to visit several countries, including Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria, in the coming days.
In Cameroon, he met with clergy, government officials, and civil society groups, emphasizing peace, justice, and responsible stewardship of natural wealth.
He appealed to the international community to support fair trade and to stop fueling conflict through the illicit purchase of minerals and other resources.
The Pope’s message was received with applause from congregants and leaders who have long raised concerns about illegal mining and the link between resource exploitation and armed violence in parts of the continent.
Church officials said the Pope’s tour aims to strengthen faith, promote reconciliation, and advocate for the poor and marginalized.
His call against resource plunder is expected to feature prominently in his addresses during the next stops on his African visit.
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