Pope Leo XIV heads to the notorious prison as his African tour draws to a close

Pope Leo XIV will visit a prison widely criticized for its harsh and unsanitary conditions in Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, marking one of the most symbolic moments of his near-ending tour of Africa.

The visit, scheduled for the Bata prison in the country’s economic hub, Bata, was the second to last of an 11-day trip that saw the Pope speak boldly about global inequality, governance and human rights.

After arriving in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday after stops in Algeria, Cameroon and Angola, the Pope is expected to meet directly with inmates at the prison facility, which has drawn criticism from human rights groups for overcrowding, poor sanitation and alleged abuse.

In addition to the prison visit, Pope Leo

In addition to Bata, the Pope’s itinerary also includes a visit to Mongomo, where he is scheduled to celebrate Mass and visit a school, further deepening his reach to the local community.

Earlier, on his arrival, the pope delivered a sharp message to the country’s leaders, urging the country to place itself “in the service of law and justice” – a statement deemed important in a country often criticized for its governance and human rights problems.

Although his message was firm, his tone was relatively restrained compared to previous visits, during which he openly condemned global injustice, denounced “tyrants” and “exploitation,” and even clashed with Donald Trump over differing views on international conflicts.

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At 70, the Pope must navigate a difficult diplomatic path in Equatorial Guinea, balancing his pastoral mission with the political sensitivities surrounding the long-standing government of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country since 1979.

About 80 percent of the country’s two million people are Catholic, reflecting the country’s colonial history under Spanish rule. However, despite vast oil wealth—which accounts for nearly half of the economy and more than 90 percent of exports—economic inequality remains stark.

According to human rights observers, most of the country’s oil revenues are enjoyed by only a small elite, while the majority of the population still lives in poverty.

In an official event attended by the president and his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Pope highlighted the widening economic gap, and described it as “dramatic” growth – a subtle but clear criticism of the country’s socio-economic reality.

Teodorin, as the vice president is popularly known, has faced international scrutiny, including a conviction in France in 2019 for financial crimes, and is often associated with luxury that contrasts with the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

Pope Leo