Pope Leo XIV's Call for Justice in Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo XIV concluded his four-nation African tour with a significant visit to Equatorial Guinea on April 22, 2026. During a Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, attended by approximately 100,000 people, the pontiff addressed the pressing issues of wealth inequality and human rights abuses in the oil-rich nation. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1979, was present alongside his son, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, both of whom have faced allegations of corruption and authoritarianism.

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In his homily, Pope Leo urged the citizens to "serve the common good rather than private interests," emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged. He condemned the "colonization" of Africa's resources and criticized an economic system that prioritizes profit over human dignity, stating, "Such an economy kills." His remarks highlighted the stark contrast between the country's vast oil wealth and the poverty experienced by over half of its population.

Crux

Equatorial Guinea, a former Spanish colony, has been transformed into one of Sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producers since the mid-1990s. However, the wealth generated from oil—accounting for nearly half of the country's GDP—has not been equitably distributed. Reports indicate that approximately 50% of the population lives in poverty, with the ruling elite benefiting disproportionately from the nation's resources. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have documented severe abuses within the country's prison system, where detainees often lack access to legal representation.

Crux

Pope Leo's visit also coincided with ongoing discussions about U.S. immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration, which has been criticized for its treatment of deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea. The pontiff described these policies as "extremely disrespectful," urging for humane treatment of migrants. Activists have called for attention to the plight of deportees, many of whom face dire conditions upon arrival.

Reuters

In his address to government officials, Pope Leo reiterated the importance of safeguarding natural resources and respecting international law. He called for dismantling barriers to "integral human development" and highlighted the moral responsibility of leaders to prioritize justice and the dignity of all citizens. The Vatican emphasized that the church's role is to advocate for human dignity while navigating the complex political landscape of Equatorial Guinea.

Business Insider

• “Such an economy kills,” — Pope Leo XIV

Euronews

• “exclusion is the new face of social injustice.” — Pope Leo XIV

Crux

• “It is a blessing for the country. We hope that many things will change and our faith will deepen.” — Diosdado Marques, Senior Catholic Official

United Press International (UPI)

Following his visit to Mongomo, Pope Leo was scheduled to visit a high-security prison in Bata, where he would hear testimonies from inmates and address their concerns. His trip marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church's engagement in Equatorial Guinea, as it seeks to balance advocacy for human rights with the realities of operating in a repressive political environment.

The Straits Times