MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday morning (April 21), greeted by cheering crowds and a Catholic Church that sees his visit as both a spiritual embrace and a moment for national reflection.
“This visit is like a sign that God has not forgotten His people,” said Malabo Archbishop Juan Nsue Edjang Mayé, ahead of the pope’s arrival. “It brings encouragement not only to Catholics, but to the whole nation, especially in times that call for unity and hope.”
The pontiff landed in Malabo after concluding his visit to Angola, marking the final leg of a multicountry African tour that has consistently emphasized peace, accountability and the moral responsibilities of leadership.
Observers say the pope’s visit comes at a sensitive moment in Equatorial Guinea, as growing economic pressures and long-standing governance concerns continue to shape daily life for many citizens. The Vatican has indicated that Pope Leo will address these issues during his visit.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope is expected to speak about corruption, governance and the ethical responsibilities of leaders — themes that have defined his Africa tour.
Equatorial Guinea, red, on the west coast of central Africa. (Map courtesy of Wikimedia/Creative Commons)
His arrival comes at a time of mourning for the Catholic Church in the country, after the sudden death of the Rev. Fortunato Nsue Eson, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Malabo, who died Friday at the age of 39. Church leaders said the pope’s visit now carries an added spiritual weight as it coincides with a moment of collective grief.
The small oil-rich country on Africa’s west coast has a population of about 1.7 million people, according U.S. government estimates. Christianity is the dominant rel …