Stories from Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo has completed his visit to Africa, concluding a tour that included meetings with regional leaders. In Equatorial Guinea, approximately 30,000 faithful attended a final mass. During the visit, the Pope met with President Teodoro Obiang, who has held power since 1979. The Pope called for the expansion of civil liberties and criticized current prison conditions. A prison in the city of Bata broadcast a message of support to detainees during the visit. Pope Leo responded to criticisms from US President Donald Trump, who labeled the Pope as weak on foreign policy, by emphasizing that the Holy See maintains diplomatic ties with 184 states to promote international values.

Pope Leo celebrated a final major religious service at a stadium in Malabo, marking the end of an eleven-day journey across Africa. The visit follows significant political unrest in the region, including recent military rule in Madagascar. The tour highlights the ongoing religious and political dynamics across the continent. During his final stage, he addressed new generations, urging them to face the future with responsibility, dignity, and freedom. His speech acknowledged the ongoing challenges of regional conflicts, wars, and violence.