The Pope arrived in the commercial hub of Douala on Friday, where he once again called for peace, following his visit to Cameroon’s English-speaking region affected by a prolonged separatist conflict the previous day. During his address, he also cautioned against the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that it is contributing to rising levels of division, conflict, fear, and violence. Large, excited crowds gathered at Japoma Stadium to welcome him.
Standing in the Popemobile, the pontiff greeted the cheering crowd, waving to the thousands who had turned out for the event. Some worshippers had arrived as early as Thursday night, camping outside the venue for over 24 hours to secure good positions for his appearance. By Friday, tens of thousands of people, including members of the clergy, endured the heat to be part of the gathering. His message centered on faith and personal growth, urging young people to develop their talents and contribute positively to society.
“Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives with promises of easy rewards but ultimately hardens the heart,” he said. “Do not give in to temptations that drain your energy and hinder societal progress.” Many attendees expressed joy at seeing and hearing the Pope, highlighting a shared hope for peace in the conflict-affected country. As they prayed, some shielded themselves from the sun with umbrellas and books, while others wiped sweat from their faces. Worshippers expressed their devotion in different ways, from clasping hands in prayer to kneeling on the ground.
On the fifth day of his African tour, and his third in Cameroon, the Pope also visited St Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala. In Yaounde, the capital, he delivered a speech at the Catholic University of Central Africa, where he reflected on how AI is reshaping humanity’s relationship with truth. He warned that as simulated realities become more common, people risk losing touch with what is real. “We begin to live in isolated bubbles, cut off from one another,” he said. “When we feel threatened by those who are different, we lose the habit of dialogue and encounter, allowing division, conflict, fear, and violence to grow.”
He further criticized the ongoing exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, particularly rare minerals like cobalt, which are essential for modern electronics and the expansion of AI technologies. The Pope’s 11-day African tour began on Monday in Algeria, marking the first papal visit to the predominantly Muslim nation. He is scheduled to travel to Angola on Saturday before concluding his trip in Equatorial Guinea.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/
