New Delhi, April 17 -- Pope Leo XIV speaking during his Africa tour delivered one of his strongest condemnations yet of global conflict, warning that the world is being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants." Addressing a gathering at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, he said: "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters."

The remarks come as the pontiff continues an 11-day visit to Africa, using his platform to advocate for peace and international cooperation.

Without naming specific leaders, Pope Leo sharply criticized those who invoke religion to justify warfare and political gain: "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for...