Trending Now - Pope's Historic Africa Tour Sparks Concerns Over Equatorial Guinea's Leadership

WHO:

AP News - Pope Leo XIV is visiting Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power since 1982.

AP News - Gutïn Bae Tongala, a 59-year-old cook from Annobon, Equatorial Guinea, expressed concerns about the pope's visit.

AP News - Tutu Alicante, a U.S.-based activist, runs the EG Justice rights group.

AP News - Reginaldo Biyogo Ndong is the Justice Minister of Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - The Rev. Fortunatus Nwachukwu is the No. 2 in the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office.

WHAT:

ABC News World - Pope Leo XIV is wrapping up his African visit with a final Mass in Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - Approximately 75% of Equatorial Guinea’s population is Catholic.

AP News - The pope's visit is part of an 11-day pastoral visit to Africa, which included stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola.

AP News - President Obiang has hosted high-profile events to gain international respect, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2015.

AP News - Amnesty International reported in 2024 on "widespread use of arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment" in Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - One of President Obiang's sons is the vice president and was convicted of money laundering and embezzlement in France.

WHERE:

AP News - The pope's final Mass took place at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - The welcome ceremony for Pope Leo XIV occurred at Malabo International Airport in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

AP News - Gutïn Bae Tongala fled to Spain from Annobon, Equatorial Guinea.

WHEN:

AP News - Pope Leo XIV's visit to Equatorial Guinea occurred on April 21, 2026, and the final Mass was celebrated on April 22, 2026.

AP News - President Obiang has been in power since 1982.

AP News - The pope's visit is part of an 11-day trip that began on April 12, 2026.

WHY:

AP News - Concerns were raised that the pope’s visit might legitimize President Obiang's government, which is accused of repression.

AP News - Activists believe President Obiang will use the pope's presence to improve his image.

HOW:

AP News - The Catholic Church in Equatorial Guinea provides educational centers, hospitals, and social spaces for the population.

AP News - The government has been accused of using the nation’s oil wealth to enrich the president’s family.

(UPDATED April 23, 2026 15:40 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV recently concluded his African visit with a final Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, after arriving on Tuesday. While approximately 75% of the population is Catholic, concerns have been raised that the pope's presence may lend legitimacy to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's government, which has faced accusations of repression and human rights abuses. Activists, including Tutu Alicante of the EG Justice rights group, worry that the visit could be used by Obiang to enhance his international image despite ongoing issues like arbitrary arrests and corruption within his administration.