The leader of the Roman Catholic Church delivered a powerful message while in Cameroon: young Africans should focus on constructing their futures at home rather than migrating elsewhere.
Speaking at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, Pope Leo urged students to embrace their potential and invest in their nations during his 11-day African tour.
“While the appeal to migrate is understandable, I encourage you to develop a strong desire to contribute to your country and utilize your education for the good of your fellow citizens,” he emphasized.
Despite the pressures of political instability and weak economies that drive migration, Leo insisted that the youth carry a duty to confront these issues directly.
He urged them to remain engaged and tackle the challenges of corruption squarely.
“Africa must rid itself of the blight of corruption. This awareness should begin during your formative years,” he stated.
Leo expressed that education and spiritual growth must prepare students to meet these challenges effectively.
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“You should aspire to become architects of a just and humane future for your countries,” he said.
The World Migration Report indicates that internal displacement is significant across Africa, with about 21 million Africans residing in other African nations as of 2020.
Moreover, the number of Africans moving outside the continent has risen sharply; between 1990 and 2020, the figure more than doubled. Approximately 11 million moved to Europe, 5 million to Asia, and 3 million to North America.
The persistent factors driving these migrations include conflict, corruption, violence, and economic distress, as seen in countries like Somalia and Nigeria.
Pope Leo’s comments coincide with a recent exchange with President Donald Trump, who criticized the pontiff for being ineffective on crime and foreign policy through his Truth Social platform.
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This conflict erupted following Leo’s calls for peace in the U.S.-Israeli relations regarding Iran.
After several rounds of back-and-forth, Leo indicated he did not wish to engage in public disputes, stating that a debate with the president was “not in my interest at all.”
His primary focus remains on fostering reconciliation and reducing tensions between countries, despite the increasingly heated discourse surrounding him.
