Pope Leo XIV has called on young Africans to resist the growing temptation to emigrate in search of better opportunities, urging them instead to channel their skills and education into developing their home countries.
The Pope made the appeal during a visit to Cameroon, where he spoke to students at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé on 17 April before later presiding over a Mass in Douala.
While acknowledging that the desire to seek better living conditions abroad is understandable, he warned that Africa’s progress depends heavily on the commitment of its youth to local development.
He urged students to see their education as a tool for national transformation rather than a gateway to migration.
“The first duty of the young is to contribute to the common good at home,” he said, encouraging them to use their knowledge and talents for the benefit of their communities.
Pope Leo also highlighted corruption and the continued “brain drain” of skilled professionals as major barriers to Africa’s development, describing them as serious threats to the continent’s future growth.
He stressed that sustainable progress would only be achieved when young people choose to stay, innovate, and build within their own countries.
Elijah Adeyemi
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