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Pope Rebukes Trump Deportations at Equatorial Guinea Mass

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation policy as “extremely disrespectful” on April 22 in Equatorial Guinea.
He celebrated Mass at Mongomo’s Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, drawing about 100,000 worshippers.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo attended the Mass.
After Mass he visited a prison in Bata, heard inmates’ testimonies and called for work opportunities, noting that despite oil wealth over half of the 1.8 million people live in poverty.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation policy as “extremely disrespectful” on April 22 in Equatorial Guinea.
He celebrated Mass at Mongomo’s Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, drawing about 100,000 worshippers.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo attended the Mass.
After Mass he visited a prison in Bata, heard inmates’ testimonies and called for work opportunities, noting that despite oil wealth over half of the 1.8 million people live in poverty.