Pope Leo XIV Calls for Justice in Equatorial Guinea Visit

Pope Leo XIV has called on Equatorial Guinea to promote justice and reduce the gap between the rich and poor during his visit to the country on Wednesday. He highlighted concerns over inequality and human rights issues.

The Pope began his day by celebrating Mass in Mongomo, a city in eastern Equatorial Guinea near the Gabon border. Mongomo has developed significantly since the country’s oil boom in the 1990s. It is also the hometown of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country since 1979.

President Obiang, along with his wife and son Vice President Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang, attended the Mass. The vice president has faced international corruption allegations, including a French court conviction for embezzlement, which resulted in a suspended prison sentence, a heavy fine, and asset seizures. The government has challenged these actions internationally.

The Vatican said around 100,000 people attended the Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, a large church inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Before the service, Pope Leo greeted the presidential family and blessed a foundation stone for a future cathedral in the planned capital, Ciudad de la Paz (City of Peace).

During his homily, the Pope urged leaders and citizens to build a fair society that protects human dignity, strengthens freedom, and prioritizes the common good over private interests. He also called for reducing inequality between privileged and disadvantaged groups.

Later in the day, Pope Leo was scheduled to visit a prison in Bata, continuing a tradition of visiting prisoners to show support and highlight concerns about justice systems.

Equatorial Guinea’s justice system has faced criticism from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the United States for issues including arbitrary arrests, torture, political detentions, and poor prison conditions. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about lack of judicial independence and unfair trials.

Reports have also linked the country to controversial migration deals involving deported individuals from the United States, with rights groups warning about possible legal and humanitarian violations.

Ahead of the Pope’s visit, authorities reportedly released nearly 100 people detained during a 2022 crackdown on unrest. However, several political prisoners and activists remain in detention, according to human rights organizations.

Groups such as EG Justice and Amnesty International have urged Pope Leo XIV to use his visit to speak out strongly against human rights abuses and support judicial reforms in the country.