Pope Leo Slams Prison Conditions In Equatorial Guinea During Africa Tour Finale

Pope Leo condemns prison abuses in Equatorial Guinea, urging justice reforms, dignity for inmates, and broader respect for human rights.

Pope Leo criticised prison conditions in Equatorial Guinea as he concluded his Africa tour, calling on authorities to reform the justice system and uphold the dignity of inmates.

During a visit to a detention facility in Bata, widely criticised for harsh conditions, the pontiff urged a shift away from punitive justice, insisting that legal systems must prioritise rehabilitation and societal protection. Addressing inmates gathered in the prison courtyard, he said true justice “seeks not so much to punish as to help rebuild the lives of victims, offenders and communities,” adding that it must “always promote the dignity of every person.”

The visit drew renewed attention to longstanding concerns raised by Amnesty International, which has documented alleged abuses in the facility, including reports that inmates are routinely beaten as punishment. The organisation also said several detainees have disappeared without trace, leaving families uncertain about their fate.

In contrast, Equatorial Guinea’s Justice Minister, Reginaldo Biyogo Ndong, maintained that detainees are treated fairly and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human rights protections.

Speaking directly to prisoners, Pope Leo offered words of encouragement, telling them, “You are not alone,” and reminding them that their families and supporters were waiting and praying for them. His remarks were met with emotional reactions, as inmates reportedly shouted “freedom” as he departed.

The prison visit formed part of a broader message delivered throughout his final stop in the country. At a memorial for victims of a 2021 military base explosion in Bata, which killed more than 100 people, he paid tribute to the dead before addressing large crowds at a local stadium, where he called for respect for “the rights of every citizen, every family, every social group.”

At a Mass attended by about 100,000 people, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the Pope extended his concerns to the nation’s poorest citizens, families facing hardship, and prisoners living in difficult conditions. He also urged leaders to bridge the gap between the privileged and disadvantaged, warning against the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

“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 said, calling for resources to be used to improve the lives of the broader population.

The oil-rich nation has long faced criticism over inequality, corruption, and restrictions on political opposition. Transparency International has ranked it among the world’s most corrupt countries, while the World Bank reports that more than half of its population lives in poverty.

Pope Leo concluded his visit with a final Mass in the capital, Malabo, attended by thousands, including the president. Throughout his Africa tour, which also included stops in Algeria, Cameroon and Angola, he consistently called for justice, accountability, and equitable use of resources across the continent.