Pope Leo Changes Tack on Immigration — Sends Surprise Message to Africans Looking to Migrate

Pope Leo XIV on Friday delivered a message to young people in Africa, encouraging them to remain in their home countries instead of seeking opportunities abroad.

Addressing students and staff at a Catholic university in Yaoundé, Cameroon, he acknowledged that many are drawn to the idea of a better life overseas. However, he urged them to channel their ambitions into strengthening their own nations and contributing to their communities with the education they are receiving.

He emphasized that a country’s true strength is not defined only by its natural resources or financial wealth, but by the moral integrity and values of its people. According to him, lasting progress depends on societies built on truth and strong ethical foundations.

https://

El Papa León XIV contraprograma el relato migracionista e invita a los jóvenes africanos a que permanezcan en su nación.
«La tendencia migratoria puede llevar a creer que en otros lugares se puede encontrar un futuro mejor. Es mejor que sirvan a su país».pic.twitter.com/jnJGGkvuod

— P. Juan Manuel Góngora (@patergongora) April 19, 2026

Migration remains a major trend, with millions of Africans living in Europe—many having made dangerous journeys through North Africa. The United States is also home to a significant African-born population, numbering around 2.5 million, with a gradual increase in arrivals at the southern border in recent years.

The pope’s remarks came during an extended այց across the continent, which includes visits to Angola, Algeria, and Equatorial Guinea.

https://

🇺🇸🇻🇦 Pope Leo XIV responds to remarks from Donald Trump, saying he has no fear of the US administration and will continue speaking out on the message of the Gospel.

“We are not politicians… we don’t deal with foreign policy the same way,” he said, adding that the Church’s role… pic.twitter.com/JTD2kJHokD

— Europa.com (@europa) April 13, 2026

His comments follow criticism from Donald Trump, who recently described him as weak on crime and ineffective on foreign policy. Leo declined to escalate the disagreement, saying he would not engage in arguments and that his statements are not intended as personal attacks.

He added that his mission is to share the teachings of the Gospel and encourage efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and the prevention of conflict wherever possible.