President Paul Biya has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s election on May 8, 2025. However, his message—posted on his official Facebook page—has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions from Cameroonians, many of whom are grappling with pressing national concerns.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election. May His expansive humanism, moral voice, and spiritual leadership breed peace and dialogue among nations,” Biya wrote in the brief post shared on the Meta platform.
A Long History with the Papacy
Pope Leo XIV becomes the fourth pope Biya has seen ascend to the papacy since becoming President of Cameroon in 1982. His papal predecessors during Biya’s tenure include John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Leo XIV.
While the message was clearly a gesture of diplomatic goodwill between Cameroon and the Holy See, the comment section beneath Biya’s post quickly transformed into a platform for public frustration.
“Please just rule like Ibrahim Traoré sir please. Let the resources be for the benefit of the people and not the Western countries,” commented Don Clerk Ngem, referencing Burkina Faso’s young revolutionary leader.
Sarcasm and Unrest in the Comments
Others responded with sarcasm or pointed questions. “Please we need a live video,” wrote Abubakar B. Sadiq. Geng Deng Majok asked, “Who will be next president after you?” Meanwhile, Nelson Tiku’s comment struck a sharper tone: “When are we going to equally congratulate the next president of 237?”
These reactions reflect growing public discontent as Biya, now 92, enters his 43rd year in power, with little indication of a clear succession plan or political transition. Though his message was addressed to the global Catholic community, the responses underscore domestic tensions simmering beneath the surface.
What was intended as a diplomatic expression of goodwill has instead highlighted a widening disconnect between official state communications and the realities faced by ordinary Cameroonians. Increasingly, citizens are using even apolitical moments to voice their desire for accountability and a clearer vision for the country’s future.
