Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Equity During Equatorial Guinea Trip

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday emphasized the need for justice and a reduction in the wealth gap. He raised alarm over issues of inequality and human rights.

The day commenced with the Pope celebrating Mass in Mongomo, situated near the Gabon border, which has seen rapid development since the 1990s oil boom. This city is also the hometown of long-time President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

President Obiang, accompanied by his wife and son, Vice President Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang, attended the Mass. The vice president has been entangled in international corruption controversies, including a conviction in France for embezzlement, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and asset seizures.

The Vatican estimated that around 100,000 individuals participated in the Mass held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a church modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica. Prior to the Mass, Pope Leo met with the presidential family and blessed a cornerstone for a future cathedral in Ciudad de la Paz (City of Peace).

In his homily, the Pope urged both leaders and citizens to strive for a just society that upholds human dignity, enhances freedom, and favors the common good over individual gain. He stressed the necessity of narrowing the gap between the affluent and the underprivileged.

Later, the Pope planned to visit a prison in Bata, continuing a longstanding tradition of showing support for inmates and spotlighting justice system faults.

Equatorial Guinea's judicial system has faced significant criticism from various organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, concerning arbitrary arrests, torture, and dire prison conditions. Concerns regarding the lack of judicial independence and flawed trials have also been cited by human rights advocates.

Reports indicate the nation has been connected to controversial migration agreements involving deportations from the U.S., raising alarms over potential legal and humanitarian infractions.

In anticipation of the Pope's visit, authorities reportedly released nearly 100 individuals who were detained during civil unrest in 2022; however, several political prisoners and activists are still imprisoned according to human rights groups.

Organizations like EG Justice and Amnesty International are urging Pope Leo XIV to leverage his visit as an opportunity to vocally denounce human rights violations and advocate for judicial reforms in the nation.