Pope Leo XIV’s Visit Reaffirms Equatorial Guinea as “stronghold for Christianity” in Central Africa: President

By Nicholas Waigwa

Malabo, 22 April, 2026 / 10:07 am (ACI Africa).

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea has described Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Visit to the Central African nation as a historic moment that reaffirms the country’s identity as a “stronghold for Christianity” in the region.

In his address during the Holy Father’s meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the presidential palace on day one of the April 21-23 Apostolic visit, President Obiang expressed national pride and spiritual joy at hosting the Pontiff on his first Apostolic journey to the country.

“It is a special privilege for our people to receive His Holiness Leo XIV, to whom we extend a warm welcome to these African lands of Equatorial Guinea. We are filled with deep joy and feel honored to host His Holiness today,” the President said on Tuesday, April 21.

He added, “It is our wish, and that of all the people of Equatorial Guinea, that His Holiness the Pope and the distinguished delegation accompanying him enjoy our traditional Equatoguinean hospitality during your stay here and that you feel at home.”

“The presence of our shepherd, as the visible head of the Catholic Church before his flock, can only bring joy, indulgence, and peace, further strengthening our faith in Christ,” President Obiang stated.

He continued, “This visit represents for us, the people of Equatorial Guinea, a recognition of our faith and Christian devotion as a flock of Christ, at a time when political and economic crises, uncertainty, and instability cross national borders in a globalized world.”

President Obiang, who has been at the helm of the Central African nation since October 1982, emphasized that the papal presence symbolized recognition of the country’s long Christian tradition, noting that Equatorial Guinea has journeyed in the faith for more than 170 years with a Catholic population of over 90 percent.

“For this reason, the visit of His Holiness to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea…represents a stronghold for Christianity in Central Africa,” he stated.

Recalling the historic 1982 pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II, the President said the presence of Pope Leo XIV marks a continuation of a spiritual legacy that continues to shape the nation’s Catholic identity.

“We are convinced that, just as his predecessor, His Holiness Pope John Paul II, did during his pastoral visit to this country in 1982, so too today we welcome the presence of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, whose presence will once again strengthen our Christian faith,” he said.

Pontifical Missionary Union Official Urges Children in Malawi to Pray Rosary Daily, Take Part in Church’s Mission

The President further expressed hope that the Pope’s visit would bring renewed blessings and strengthen the faith of the people in a period marked by global uncertainty.

“In this regard, we hope for the Holy Father’s blessings upon the people of Equatorial Guinea to reaffirm their faith and Christian devotion in an environment of peace, prosperity, and progress that prevails in our homeland,” he noted.

President Obiang expressed  gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for choosing Equatorial Guinea as one of the destinations for his 11-day Apostolic Journey across four African countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola.

“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen our humble country for your first apostolic and pastoral journey to the African continent,” he said, adding that the visit would “renew faith and reaffirm internal peace preserved for more than five decades,” as well as strengthen “excellent relations with the Holy See and the local Catholic Church.”

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, April 22, will travel to Mongomo to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception before visiting the Pope Francis Technology School.

Later in the day, the Holy Father will continue to Bata, where he is scheduled to visit a prison, pray at a memorial dedicated to victims of the 7 March 2021 explosion, and meet young people and families at Bata Stadium.

The Apostolic Journey to Africa is to conclude on Thursday, April 23, with a final Mass celebrated by the Pope at Malabo Stadium.

Tags:

ACI Africa,

Pope Leo XIV

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.