Pope Leo Criticizes Prison Conditions in Equatorial Guinea
Pope Leo has expressed criticism regarding the treatment of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea ahead of his visit to a prison known for its harsh conditions.
On Wednesday, he addressed the Central African nation during a Mass attended by approximately 100,000 people, including Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the country's leader and the world's longest-serving president.
"My thoughts go to the poorest, to families experiencing difficulty and to prisoners who are often forced to live in troubling hygienic and sanitary conditions."
Equatorial Guinea, a nation rich in oil but marked by a poor human rights record and significant income inequality, represents the final stop on the Pope's four-nation African tour.
Visit to Bata Prison and Human Rights Concerns
On Wednesday evening, the last full day of his tour, Pope Leo planned to visit a notorious prison located in Bata, the country's economic capital.
Amnesty International has reported that inmates in Bata prison are "reportedly routinely beaten as punishment."
The human rights organization further noted that numerous prisoners "have neither been seen nor heard from, and their relatives do not know whether they are alive or dead."
Appeal for Social Justice and Resource Equity
During the Mass held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the town of Mongomo, Pope Leo urged the people of Equatorial Guinea "to serve the common good rather than private interests, bridging the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged."
"The Creator has endowed you with great natural wealth. I urge you to work together so that it may be a blessing for all,"
he added, emphasizing that the country's future depends on the choices made by its people. He also called for the nation’s resources to be utilized to improve the lives of the broader population rather than benefiting only a select few.
Government Corruption Allegations
The government of President Obiang has faced accusations of corruption and diverting oil revenues to benefit the elite, allegations it denies.
In 2020, the president's son, who serves as vice-president, was fined by a French court for using public funds to support a lavish lifestyle in Europe. Subsequently, his assets in France were seized.
Transparency International has ranked Equatorial Guinea among the world's most corrupt countries, while the World Bank reports that over half of the population lives in poverty.
Political Climate and Media Control
Political opposition in Equatorial Guinea is limited and faces significant challenges due to the absence of a free press. All broadcast media are either government-owned or controlled by its allies.
"May there be greater room for freedom and may the dignity of the human person always be safeguarded,"
the Pope stated pointedly.
Private Meeting and Broader Tour Context
President Obiang, aged 83 and in power since 1979, held a private meeting with Pope Leo on Tuesday.
Throughout his African tour, which included visits to Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola, Pope Leo has spoken candidly, condemning "tyrants" who spend billions on wars and criticizing the "colonisation" of Africa's mineral resources.
Shortly before departing on the trip, the Pope criticized then-US President Donald Trump for threatening Iran. In response, Trump described the pontiff as "bad for foreign policy."
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