Pope Leo XIV is set to visit a prison widely criticised for poor conditions in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, as his extensive African tour draws to a close.
The pontiff, who arrived in the country after stops in Algeria, Cameroon and Angola, will meet inmates at Bata prison—a facility often described by human rights groups as overcrowded and unsanitary, with reports of poor treatment of detainees.
During his visit, the pope will also engage with young people and families at a stadium in Bata, the country’s economic hub, and honour victims of the 2021 explosion in the city, which claimed over 100 lives and left hundreds injured.
Beyond Bata, he is expected to travel to Mongomo, near the Gabon border, where he will celebrate mass and visit a local school.
On arrival, Pope Leo XIV called on the nation to uphold justice and the rule of law—remarks seen as significant in a country often criticised for governance and human rights concerns. However, his tone was more measured compared to earlier stops on the tour, where he strongly condemned global inequality and authoritarian leadership.
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The pope is walking a careful line in Equatorial Guinea, where he aims to support the Catholic faithful without appearing to endorse the long-standing government of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled since 1979.
Despite the country’s vast oil wealth, much of its population lives in poverty, with wealth concentrated among a small elite. During his visit, the pope also spoke about the widening gap between the rich and the poor, urging leaders to prioritise fairness and social justice.
He was received by the president and attended an event alongside Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, often known as Teodorin, who has faced international scrutiny over corruption allegations.
The visit marks one of the final legs of the pope’s 11-day, 18,000-kilometre journey across Africa. He is expected to conclude the trip with an open-air mass in Malabo before returning to Rome.
