Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday urged leaders in Cameroon to confront corruption and rights abuses during a pointed address in Yaounde.
The pope’s remarks came as he met Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982 with a firm grip.
In unusually direct language, Leo called on authorities to examine their conscience and act decisively to restore justice and public trust.
He stressed that security must be upheld, but never at the expense of human rights, warning against deepening divisions.
The appeal follows criticism of Biya’s government over repression linked to his disputed eighth-term re-election in October.
Cameroon ranks 142 out of 180 on Transparency International’s 2025 corruption perceptions index, underscoring concerns raised during the visit.
Thousands welcomed the pontiff with music and dance, lining roads under intense heat as his convoy travelled through the capital.
At a Catholic orphanage, Leo offered words of hope, telling children their future could rise above hardship and past suffering.
Civil society groups, however, warned the visit risks legitimising authorities amid what they described as an unprecedented period of repression.
The pope is set to visit the conflict-hit northwest, where English-speaking separatists have battled government forces since 2016.
Separatist groups announced a temporary truce to allow the visit, raising hopes for a symbolic pause in violence.
The conflict has left more than 6,000 dead, with civilians frequently targeted by killings and kidnappings, according to rights groups.
Leo will later lead a mass in Douala before continuing his African tour, which includes stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
His trip unfolds amid tensions with Donald Trump, who recently criticised the pontiff’s stance on global issues.
Leo dismissed the criticism, saying he would continue to speak openly in defence of peace and the message of the Gospel.