Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon for the second leg of his 10-day African tour, carrying a renewed message of peace to the country’s separatist-hit regions, where armed fighters have announced a three-day ceasefire.

The visit is expected to focus on themes including anti-corruption efforts and responsible political leadership in the mineral-rich nation. Cameroon marks the second stop of the Pope’s four-country Africa journey, following his visit to Algeria.

During his stay, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet Cameroon’s long-serving president, Paul Biya, at the presidential palace in Yaoundé, before addressing government officials, diplomats, and civil servants. He will also visit a Catholic-run orphanage in the capital.

The Vatican noted last-minute changes to the official programme, including President Biya replacing the prime minister as the speaker before the Pope’s address.

Speaking aboard the papal plane en route from Algeria, the Pope reflected on his visit there and praised the legacy of St. Augustine, describing it as a personal blessing and a reminder of the importance of unity, mutual respect, and the shared search for peace among peoples despite their differences.

While repeating his appeal for dialogue and reconciliation, Pope Leo did not directly respond to criticism directed at him by U.S. President Donald Trump.