DOUALA, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV launched a passionate appeal to authorities in Cameroon to invest in the education and training of young people for lasting peace in the central African nation, where he embarked on a three-day apostolic visit Wednesday.
In his April 15 meeting with civic authorities and the diplomatic corps at the presidential palace on the first day of his visit, Pope Leo described young people as Cameroon’s greatest asset and a key to its future, noting that their frustrations mount when they feel that they are not gainfully employed.
“As I have often mentioned, young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures,” the Holy Father said, adding: “Of course, when unemployment and social exclusion persist, frustration can lead to violence.”
“Investing in the education, training, and entrepreneurship of young people is, therefore, a strategic choice for peace,” he said.
According to the Holy Father, investing in young people is one of the best ways to curb the outflow of talent to other parts of the world.
It is also a good way to combat “the scourges of drugs, prostitution, and apathy, which are devastating too
