Bamenda, April 16 -- Pope Leo XIV, who is visiting Cameroon, sharply criticised people manipulating religion and using God's name to advance their own military, economic, and political gain. He made the remarks during his meeting for peace for the community in Bamenda.

In his remarks, he said, "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth."

Cameroon has seen civil war with differences in the two major groups of the country-- English speaking Anglophone and French speaking Francophone regions.

In his remarks, he also hailed the community there for their resilience in wake of the conflict in the region.

Pope Leo X...