Pope Leo Decries Inequality in Corrupt Equatorial Guinea

Mass in Mongomo Highlights Calls for Justice

Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day African journey included a Mass in Equatorial Guinea, held in the city of Mongomo. The event, attended by an estimated 100,000 people, took place at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a structure consecrated in 2011. Before the ceremony, the pontiff welcomed attendees and the presidential family, emphasizing the need for justice and freedom in the nation.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has governed the country since 1979, was present for the Mass. As the world’s longest-serving leader, his regime has faced repeated criticism for human rights violations and widespread economic disparity. The Vatican highlighted these issues during the homily, urging citizens to foster a society that “capable of engendering a new sense of justice,” where “greater room for freedom” is ensured and “the dignity of the human person always may be safeguarded.”

Leo called on those gathered to “serve the common good rather than private interests — bridging the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged.” His remarks underscored the nation’s struggle with inequality in distributing its oil wealth, a challenge that has persisted under the current administration.

Following the Mass, the Pope planned to visit a prison in Bata, a port city, continuing a tradition set by Pope Francis. Equatorial Guinea’s prisons and judicial system have drawn condemnation from the UN, human rights organizations, and the US State Department for their treatment of detainees. The nation’s Catholic population, over 70% of its 1.8 million residents, was also noted during the visit.

President Obiang was accompanied by his wife and son, Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang, who serves as the country’s vice president. The younger Obiang recently faced legal consequences, including a €30 million fine and property seizures, after being convicted of embezzlement in a French court. The US had temporarily waived corruption sanctions on him to facilitate his participation in a UN meeting and visits to American cities. This decision was later tied to reports that Equatorial Guinea received payments from the Trump administration to host migrants deported from the US.

Pope Leo criticized the Trump administration’s migration deportation policy as “extremely disrespectful,” linking it to broader concerns about corruption and inequality. His comments reflect ongoing efforts to address systemic issues in the region, particularly in countries with significant Catholic populations and histories of authoritarian governance.