Serve your country and resist from travelling abroad — Pope Leo XIV advises Africans

Pope Leo has called on young Africans to prioritize developing their home countries rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

He made the remarks during an official visit to Cameroon, where he addressed students and later celebrated Mass in Douala.

Speaking at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé on April 17, the Pope acknowledged that the desire to migrate in search of better opportunities is understandable. However, he emphasized that young people have a responsibility to contribute to the growth and development of their own nations.

He highlighted corruption and the migration of skilled workers as major obstacles to Africa’s progress, urging students to channel their knowledge and education toward improving their societies.

Addressing the students, he said: “In the face of the understandable tendency to migrate, I invite you to respond with an ardent desire to serve your country.”

He further stressed the need to tackle corruption at its roots, encouraging young people to develop strong values early in life.

“Africa, indeed, must be freed from the scourge of corruption,” Leo told the university students and their teachers.