# Pope Leo tells African youth to stay home and rebuild, 'serve' their countries instead of migrating abroad

By Roberto Wakerell-Cruz · Published 2026-04-24 · News & Analysis › World · https://humanevents.com/news/pope-leo-tells-african-youth-to-stay-home-and-rebuild-serve-their-countries-instead-of-migrating-abroad

> "I invite you, first and foremost, to respond with an ardent desire to serve your country and to apply the knowledge you are acquiring here to the benefit of your fellow citizens."

Speaking to students in [Cameroon](https://humanevents.com/2026/01/14/us-suspends-visas-from-75-nations-over-public-assistance-concerns), Pope Leo XIV urged young Africans to focus on strengthening their home countries rather than leaving in search of opportunities abroad. The remarks came during a stop in Yaoundé as part of his 11-day visit across the continent.

Addressing university students at the Catholic University of Central Africa, the [Pope](https://thepostmillennial.com/vance-grateful-to-pope-leo-for-comments-clarifying-trump-rift-says-media-gins-up-conflict) acknowledged the pressures driving [migration](https://thepostmillennial.com/rubio-says-us-europe-belong-together-warns-against-mass-migration-at-munich-security-conference) but encouraged a different path. It was a pretty direct message, and not softened much.

"In the face of the understandable tendency to migrate — which may lead one to believe that elsewhere a better future may be more easily found — I invite you, first and foremost, to respond with an ardent desire to serve your country and to apply the knowledge you are acquiring here to the benefit of your fellow citizens," Leo said, according to the [AP](https://apnews.com/article/africa-pope-vatican-cameroon-youth-762c75bb91640bcf0cd8bfc51110b16a).

He emphasized that younger generations should take an active role in addressing domestic challenges, including governance and corruption. "Africa, indeed, must be freed from the scourge of corruption. For young people, this awareness must take root from their years of formation," he said.

"These are the witnesses of wisdom and justice, of which the African continent needs," he said. Leo also pointed to education and moral development as key factors in long-term stability and growth.

He said that through academic and spiritual training, "you learn to become builders of the future of your respective countries and of a world that is more just and humane."

Migration across Africa has increased in recent decades, driven by economic hardship, conflict, and political instability. Data from international reports show that millions of Africans relocate within the continent, while others move to Europe, Asia, and North America in search of improved living conditions.

In 2020, about 21 million Africans were living in another African country, with additional migration flows including roughly 11 million to Europe, 5 million to Asia, and 3 million to North America.