As he began a delicate visit to one of Africa’s most closely regulated nations, Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday urged Equatorial Guinea to position itself “in the service of law and justice.”
Speaking in the capital city of Malabo, the pope called on officials to reconsider their development strategies and take advantage of chances to improve their standing internationally by upholding justice and the law.
He also issued a warning against inequality, pointing out the rising divide between the bulk of people and a few elite and connecting contemporary social injustice to increasing marginalisation.
Wealth and inequality under scrutiny
Rich in oil, Equatorial Guinea derives much of its wealth from hydrocarbons, yet large parts of the population remain in poverty.
Rights groups have long accused the government of corruption and misuse of public funds, while pointing to stark disparities in living standards.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in power since 1979, welcomed the pope at the presidential palace, alongside senior officials including Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
Falancing diplomacy and criticism
The pope’s visit highlights a delicate balance: supporting the country’s large Catholic population while avoiding endorsement of a government frequently accused of human rights abuses, including restrictions on opposition and media.
Despite the political undertones, crowds gathered in the streets to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, reflecting both hope and skepticism among residents.
Final leg of African tour
The stop marks the last stage of Leo’s 11-day Africa tour.
He is expected to travel onward to Mongomo and Bata, continuing his outreach in a nation where Catholicism remains a lasting legacy of Spanish colonial rule.
