Pope Leo XIV marked the ninth day of his African Apostolic Journey by departing Angola and arriving in Equatorial Guinea, beginning the final leg of his 11-day tour across four nations. After a farewell ceremony in Luanda, he flew to Malabo, where crowds warmly welcomed him to the Spanish-speaking country.
During the flight, the Pope reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, praising his commitment to mercy, compassion, and closeness to the poor, calling it a lasting gift to the Church. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation with Angola, particularly in strengthening healthcare and education through Church-supported initiatives.
In Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo met President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and addressed government officials, civil society, and diplomats. He warned that global conflicts are often fueled by competition over natural resources such as oil and minerals, stressing that such exploitation frequently ignores human dignity and international law. He also cautioned against using religion to justify violence or oppression.
The Pope later inaugurated a university campus in Malabo, describing education as an investment in future generations and a commitment to truth and the common good. His visit also included a stop at a psychiatric hospital, where he emphasized compassion, dignity, and holistic care for the sick, receiving an enthusiastic response from patients.
Day nine reflected the Pope’s broader message of justice, peace, and human dignity as his African journey nears its conclusion.