Pope to Cameroon's Leaders: "Break the Chains of Corruption"

Pope Francis has delivered a sharp political message to Cameroon's ruling elite. Speaking in the capital, Yaoundé, he called for an end to corruption and urged leaders to respect citizens' rights. The Pope made his remarks directly to President Paul Biya, 89, who has ruled for nearly 40 years. Francis stressed the "importance of upholding the rule of law and fundamental freedoms." He told the country's authorities, "The chains of corruption must be broken." The pontiff said a society cannot grow when its people are trapped by dishonest practices. His speech drew on the teachings of Saint Augustine, a 4th-century philosopher. Augustine's ideas on justice and the role of the state in society formed the basis of the address. This is the second stop on the Pope's tour of Africa. His message highlights widespread concerns about governance and inequality in the region.