Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to make a highly symbolic visit to a prison in Equatorial Guinea that is widely criticised for its harsh and inhumane conditions, as he wraps up the final leg of his extensive tour across Africa.
The pontiff arrived on Tuesday in the oil-rich Central African country, which remains marked by deep economic inequality, following earlier stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola.
His itinerary on Wednesday includes a visit to the Bata prison, a facility frequently condemned by human rights organisations for overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and reports of mistreatment of inmates.
A Vatican official explained that the purpose of the visit is to “bring a message of hope and dignity to those often forgotten by society.”
While in Bata, the pope is also expected to meet with young people and families at a local stadium in the city, which serves as the country’s commercial centre.
In addition, he will pay tribute to victims of a 2021 disaster when explosions at a military ammunition depot in Bata claimed more than 100 lives and left hundreds injured.
His schedule further includes a trip to Mongomo, near the Gabon border, where he is set to celebrate Mass and visit a school community.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV called on national leaders to strengthen justice systems and ensure fairness for citizens, stating: “A nation truly serves its people when it upholds law and fairness for all.”
The message comes against the backdrop of long-standing criticism of Equatorial Guinea’s governance under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1979 and is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.
Although his tone in Equatorial Guinea has remained diplomatic, the pope has taken a firmer stance in other African nations during the tour, speaking out against inequality, exploitation, and conflict. At one point, he denounced “tyrants who enrich themselves while their people suffer.”
Despite its substantial oil wealth, Equatorial Guinea continues to face widespread poverty, with human rights groups repeatedly highlighting the stark divide between the ruling elite and ordinary citizens.
The pope also drew attention to the country’s economic disparities, stressing that “prosperity must not be reserved for a few while many struggle to survive.”
Among those present at one of the events was Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, commonly known as Teodorin, who has faced international corruption allegations and was convicted in France in 2019 over financial crimes.
The 11-day African tour, covering roughly 18,000 kilometres, is set to conclude on Thursday with an open-air Mass in the capital, Malabo, before Pope Leo XIV returns to Rome.
