Pope Leo XIV has called on political leaders in Equatorial Guinea to prioritise ethical governance, social justice and inclusive development as he undertakes the final lap of his apostolic journey to Africa.
Addressing the President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and other public officials, the Holy Father recalled Pope John Paul II’s words when he described a head of state as “the symbolic centre to which the living aspirations of a people converge for the establishment of a social climate of authentic liberty, justice, respect and promotion of the rights of every person.”
He noted that the message remains timely, urging those in authority to reflect deeply on their role in shaping just and accountable societies.
The Holy Father stressed that the Church shares people’s current problems and hopes, adding that his visit was designed “to confirm you in your faith and to console the people of this country undergoing rapid transformation.”
Pope Leo XIV further elaborated on Saint Augustine of Hippo’s teachings, notably the distinction between the “city of God” and the “earthly city.” While the former is based on unconditional love, he asserted that the latter is formed by self-interest and the quest of power, and he urged leaders to choose “which city they wish to serve,” both in their personal conduct and public duties.
In response to Equatorial Guinea’s ambitious ambition to establish a new city, Ciudad de la Paz, or “City of Peace,” Pope Leo XIV proposed that the name itself should provoke ethical contemplation. He emphasised that political activity should not be motivated by “the pursuit of unjust wealth and the illusion of dominion,” but rather by ideals that support long-term stability and the general good.
Moreover, the Holy Father highlighted exclusion as “the new face of social injustice,” and urged leaders to dismantle barriers to integral human development, stressing solidarity and the fair distribution of resources. He also raised concerns about the exploitation of natural resources, warning that economic and technological progress must not come at the expense of environmental protection, labour rights or public health.
Pope Leo XIV further echoed the message of Pope Francis, whose death anniversary coincided with this stage of the journey, stating, “we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.”
Pope Leo XIV Pays Tribute to Pope Francis on First Anniversary of His Death
Meanwhile, aboard the papal flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV marked the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death with a reflective tribute, highlighting the late pontiff’s legacy of service, humility and commitment to the poor.
Speaking to journalists during the journey, Pope Leo said Pope Francis left a profound impact on the Church through his life, words and actions, particularly through his close attention to the most vulnerable in society.
“On this first anniversary of his death, I would like to remember Pope Francis, who left so much, who gave so much to the Church through his life, his witness, his words, and his gestures. He did so by truly living closeness to the poorest, to the least, to the sick, to children, and to the elderly.”
Pope Leo XIV
The anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, which occurred on April 21, 2025, is being observed across the global Catholic Church and coincides with the final leg of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Africa.
During his remarks, Pope Leo XIV emphasised Pope Francis’ consistent call for universal fraternity, describing it as a central theme of his papacy.
The Holy Father noted that Pope Francis repeatedly urged the Church and the wider world to embrace a spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and shared humanity. He also reflected on the late pope’s emphasis on mercy, recalling teachings delivered early in his pontificate in 2013, when Francis spoke about forgiveness and compassion as core expressions of Christian faith.
Pope Leo XIV further highlighted how these themes were further reinforced through major initiatives such as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which sought to bring the message of forgiveness to the wider Church.
The Holy Father described these efforts as part of a broader spiritual mission that shaped Pope Francis’ leadership and global influence and offered a prayer of remembrance and gratitude for the late pontiff’s life and service, acknowledging what he described as a significant gift to the Church and the world.
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