Story perspectives

Pope condemns colonization, urges oil aid; Obiang fined €30 M

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 21-22 2026, Pope Leo XIV denounced “colonization” and “lust for power” in Equatorial Guinea, urging President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to use oil wealth for good and noting that half of 1.9 million are poor.
The Pope oversaw a Mass of 100,000 in Mongomo and inspected a prison cited for beatings.
Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang was fined €30 million for embezzlement in France, a case contested at the Court of Justice.

History

Historical Context

In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued "Rerum Novarum," the first modern social encyclical, addressing the plight of the working class amid the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers' rights, including fair wages and unionization, while condemning both socialism and laissez-faire capitalism. This foundational text continues to influence discussions on social justice, particularly in contexts like Equatorial Guinea, where poverty affects 50% of the population.

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Story summary

On April 21-22 2026, Pope Leo XIV denounced “colonization” and “lust for power” in Equatorial Guinea, urging President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to use oil wealth for good and noting that half of 1.9 million are poor.
The Pope oversaw a Mass of 100,000 in Mongomo and inspected a prison cited for beatings.
Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang was fined €30 million for embezzlement in France, a case contested at the Court of Justice.

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