Pope Leo urges Africans to stay and 'serve your country' instead of migrating as displacement climbs

close Video Pope Leo decries those who 'manipulate religion' for military, economic or political gain Roman Catholic Pope Leo spoke out against people ‘who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, or political gain.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 3 Min Pope Leo XIV last Friday urged African youth to work toward improving their own countries rather than migrating elsewhere in search of better opportunities. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church directed his remarks to university students at the Africa" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="116878" data-entity-type="organization">Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, during an 11-day apostolic journey in Africa. "In the face of the understandable tendency to migrate — which may lead one to believe that elsewhere a better future may be more easily found — I invite you, first and foremost, to respond with an ardent desire to serve your country and to apply the knowledge you are acquiring here to the benefit of your fellow citizens," Leo said. While displacement in Africa has steadily increased in recent years amid economic and political challenges, Leo said each country’s rising generations should be "committed to society," reflect their nations’ needs and confront systemic issues at home. BISHOP ROBERT BARRON: WHAT LEO'S CHOICE OF NAME TELLS US ABOUT THE NEW POPE Pope Leo XIV speaks as he meets with the community of Bamenda at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Bamenda on the fourth day of an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa April 16, 2026. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images) "Africa, indeed, must be freed from the scourge of corruption. For young people, this awareness must take root from their years of formation," he said. "These are the witnesses of wisdom and justice, of which the African continent needs." He added that through education and spiritual formation, "you learn to become builders of the future of your respective countries and of a world that is more just and humane." POPE LEO SAYS HE'S UNAFRAID OF THE TRUMP ADMIN AFTER PRESIDENT CALLS HIM 'TERRIBLE' ON FOREIGN POLICY Pope Leo XIV delivers a speech during his visit to Central African Catholic University as part of his Africa tour April 17, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. (Ahmet Emin Donmez/Anadolu) According to the World Migration Report, most of Africa’s displacement occurs internally within the continent, with 21 million Africans recorded as living in another African country in 2020. Overseas African migration has also steadily increased, with figures more than doubling between 1990 and 2020. In 2020, roughly 11 million Africans reportedly migrated to Europe, 5 million to Asia and 3 million to Northern America. Pope Leo XIV visits Central African Catholic University as part of his Africa tour April 17, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. (Ahmet Emin Donmez/Anadolu) The causes of displacement are largely attributed to political conflict, corruption, violence and economic hardship, including widespread poverty. These factors are particularly pronounced in countries such as Somalia, one of Africa’s largest sources of refugees; Nigeria, which is riddled with natural disasters and economic pressures; and Sudan's surrounding areas, where civil war, political instability and food insecurity have driven large-scale displacement. The Pope’s remarks come just days after President Donald Trump criticized Leo on Truth Social, calling him "weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy." The backlash followed the pontiff’s criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and his appeal for a return to peace. Tensions between the two boiled over several days before the Pope said last Saturday that it was "not in my interest at all" to debate the president. Leo has insisted that his position is focused on bridging divides among nations and promoting peace and reconciliation. Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!