Pope Leo XIV is set to visit a prison in Equatorial Guinea known for harsh conditions, as he concludes the final stretch of his extensive tour across Africa.
The pontiff arrived in the oil-rich but highly unequal Central African nation on Tuesday, following earlier stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola. On Wednesday, he is expected to meet inmates at the Bata prison, a facility widely criticised by human rights groups for overcrowding, poor sanitation, and alleged abuse of detainees.
According to a Vatican official, the visit is intended to “bring a message of hope and dignity to those often forgotten by society.”
During his stay, the pope will also engage with young people and families at a stadium in Bata, the country’s commercial hub.
He is further scheduled to honour victims of a 2021 tragedy in the city, when explosions at a military depot killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds.
Beyond Bata, the pope will travel to Mongomo, near the border with Gabon, where he will celebrate Mass and visit a local school.
Speaking earlier during his visit, Pope Leo XIV urged the government to prioritise justice and accountability. “A nation truly serves its people when it upholds law and fairness for all,” he said.
His remarks come in a country often criticised for human rights violations under long-serving leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979.
Despite his measured tone in Equatorial Guinea, the pope has been more outspoken in other countries on the tour, condemning global inequality, exploitation, and conflict. At one point, he criticised “tyrants who enrich themselves while their people suffer.”
Equatorial Guinea, though rich in oil resources, continues to grapple with widespread poverty.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly highlighted the stark contrast between the wealth of the ruling elite and the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
The pope also addressed the country’s widening economic gap, noting that “prosperity must not be reserved for a few while many struggle to survive.”
Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, widely known as Teodorin, attended one of the events.
He has faced international scrutiny over corruption allegations and was convicted in France in 2019 for financial crimes.
The 11-day journey, covering approximately 18,000 kilometres, will conclude on Thursday with an open-air Mass in the capital, Malabo, before the pope returns to Rome.
