Pope Leo XIV commenced the final stage of his African journey on Tuesday with a visit to Equatorial Guinea. His increasingly vocal advocacy for human rights is expected to draw significant attention in one of the continent's most tightly controlled nations.
Following a three-day stay in Angola, the pontiff, who is US-born, was scheduled to arrive in the Central African country around noon (1100 GMT). Equatorial Guinea has been under the leadership of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 83, since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving head of state.
Pope Leo XIV follows in the historical footsteps of John Paul II, who, four decades ago, became the first pope to visit Equatorial Guinea. This oil-rich nation of two million people has a population where 80 percent identify as Catholic, a legacy of its Spanish colonial past.
Throughout his tour across Africa, the Pope has been critical of tyranny and exploitation, promoting peace and social justice. He has notably shifted from his previously reserved demeanor to a more assertive tone.
All eyes are now on whether this trend will persist during his visit to Equatorial Guinea, where he will be hosted by a government frequently accused of authoritarian practices and human rights violations. Many of the country's opposition figures and independent media outlets have been forced into exile in Spain due to pressure from the authorities.
International non-governmental organizations regularly highlight the Equatorial Guinean authorities for widespread corruption and the suppression of opposition, characterized by arbitrary detentions and restrictions on public freedoms.
In the former capital, Malabo, situated on Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea, large portraits of the Pope and welcome banners adorn the streets, displayed alongside the flags of the Vatican and Equatorial Guinea. A hymn composed in his honor is set to be performed by church choirs nationwide during his visit.
Juan Raul, a resident of Malabo, expressed his view to AFP that the visit presents an opportunity for national unity. "This will bring spiritual change and motivate many people to go to mass," he stated.
On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to deliver remarks before the president, government members, the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, and cultural sector delegates. On Wednesday, he planned to travel to Mongomo, President Obiang's home region, to conduct a mass and greet students and teachers at a technology school named after Pope Francis.
His itinerary also included a visit to the economic capital, Bata, to pay respects to the victims of a 2021 explosion at a military camp that claimed over 108 lives. He was also expected to visit inmates at Bata prison.
On Thursday, the pontiff was scheduled to lead a large mass at Malabo stadium, marking the conclusion of his extensive 11-day, 18,000-kilometer (11,200-mile) journey across Africa.
