By Elsie Kamsiyochi 

Pope Leo delivered one of his strongest messages yet during his visit to Equatorial Guinea, warning that humanity’s future is being placed in serious danger by rising conflict, political irresponsibility, and the growing disregard for international law. Speaking before government leaders in the capital of Malabo, the pontiff said the world was moving toward a “tragically compromised” future unless leaders change course and begin placing justice, peace, and human dignity above power and profit.

The pope’s remarks came during the final stage of his four-country African tour, where he has increasingly used his platform to condemn violence, exploitation, and the failures of world leadership. In Equatorial Guinea, a nation rich in oil but long criticized for political repression and inequality, Leo spoke directly about the exploitation of natural resources, saying the struggle for control of oil and minerals continues to fuel bloodshed across many regions of the world.

He told political leaders that true authority must be guided by responsibility and moral courage, not domination or fear. According to Leo, nations can no longer afford leaders who ignore international agreements while innocent civilians suffer the consequences of war. He emphasized that religion must never be used as a shield to justify violence, declaring that God’s name should never be invoked to defend destruction or death.

The pope’s comments carried particular weight in Equatorial Guinea, where President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since 1979, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the government of suppressing dissent and limiting freedoms, allegations the government has denied. By addressing issues of governance while standing beside the country’s leadership, Leo signaled his willingness to confront uncomfortable realities even during diplomatic visits.

Throughout his African journey, Pope Leo has adopted a more forceful tone than many expected from the first American-born pope. In recent days he has criticized authoritarianism, economic injustice, and the moral failures of wealthy nations that continue to benefit while poorer countries bear the cost of conflict. His message has resonated with many Catholics across Africa, where the Church remains one of the most influential institutions on the continent.

During his two-day stay in Equatorial Guinea, Leo is expected to visit a prison facility in Bata that has drawn international criticism from human rights groups. He will also pray at the site of a deadly 2021 military barracks explosion that killed more than 100 people, an event that still raises painful questions for many citizens.

For many observers, the pope’s visit is becoming more than a pastoral mission. It is increasingly seen as a global moral appeal — one that challenges political leaders, wealthy nations, and ordinary people alike to reconsider the path the world is taking before the damage becomes irreversible.

Source Reuters