On Final Leg of Africa Trip in Equatorial Guinea, Leo XIV Commemorates Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV visited Equatorial Guinea, the final stop on his African tour. On the plane, he commemorated the late Pope Francis, who passed away a year ago, praising his legacy. (This article describes a fictional event).
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(Central News Agency, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 21st, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Pope Leo XIV flew from Angola to Equatorial Guinea today, embarking on the final leg of his African tour. On the plane, he commemorated the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, calling him a gift to the Church and the world.
The words and actions of Leo XIV, who has recently been a vocal advocate for human rights, are being closely watched in Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa's most closed countries. The Central African nation has been ruled since 1979 by the 83-year-old Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is currently the world's longest-serving non-monarchic head of state.
AFP reported that after disembarking from his plane, the American-born Pope Leo XIV walked down a red carpet with President Obiang amidst the music of a military band. Hundreds of faithful sang hymns and blew vuvuzelas, with many wearing T-shirts bearing the Pope's portrait.
"The Pope's visit to Equatorial Guinea is a grace and a great blessing. I hope the Pope will pray especially for the young people," 55-year-old believer Ana-Marie Sofina told AFP.
Reuters reported that Pope Leo XIV today, on his plane, commemorated the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, acknowledging the great legacy the first pope from the Americas left for the Church "with his witness and his words."
Leo XIV stated that Francis, during his 12-year pontificate, was dedicated to "promoting a true respect for all men and women, fostering a spirit of fraternity, so that all may be brothers and sisters..."
Leo XIV prayed that Pope Francis has found the mercy of the Lord and said, "Let us thank the Lord because the life of Francis was a great gift to the whole Church and to the world."
Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, from a stroke at the age of 88. During his pontificate, he was committed to reforming the Church, but also drew dissatisfaction from conservative believers who worried he was diluting strict doctrine.
Leo XIV is the second pope to set foot in Equatorial Guinea, following John Paul II's visit 40 years ago. The oil-rich nation has a population of about 2 million, and due to its history of Spanish colonization, about 80% of the population is Catholic.
Currently, large portraits of the Pope and welcome banners can be seen everywhere on the streets of Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.
Malabo resident Juan Raul told AFP that he sees the Pope's visit as an opportunity to unite the country, bring about "spiritual change," and inspire people to participate in Mass.
However, some are concerned that the cost of the Pope's visit will be borne by the public. Andres Esono Ondo, leader of the opposition Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS) party, worried that the trip could lead to more suffering for the people who are forced to bear the "economic loss," which he believes "is certainly not the Pope's intention." (Translation: Liu Shu-chin) 1150421
The words and actions of Leo XIV, who has recently been a vocal advocate for human rights, are being closely watched in Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa's most closed countries. The Central African nation has been ruled since 1979 by the 83-year-old Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is currently the world's longest-serving non-monarchic head of state.
AFP reported that after disembarking from his plane, the American-born Pope Leo XIV walked down a red carpet with President Obiang amidst the music of a military band. Hundreds of faithful sang hymns and blew vuvuzelas, with many wearing T-shirts bearing the Pope's portrait.
"The Pope's visit to Equatorial Guinea is a grace and a great blessing. I hope the Pope will pray especially for the young people," 55-year-old believer Ana-Marie Sofina told AFP.
Reuters reported that Pope Leo XIV today, on his plane, commemorated the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, acknowledging the great legacy the first pope from the Americas left for the Church "with his witness and his words."
Leo XIV stated that Francis, during his 12-year pontificate, was dedicated to "promoting a true respect for all men and women, fostering a spirit of fraternity, so that all may be brothers and sisters..."
Leo XIV prayed that Pope Francis has found the mercy of the Lord and said, "Let us thank the Lord because the life of Francis was a great gift to the whole Church and to the world."
Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, from a stroke at the age of 88. During his pontificate, he was committed to reforming the Church, but also drew dissatisfaction from conservative believers who worried he was diluting strict doctrine.
Leo XIV is the second pope to set foot in Equatorial Guinea, following John Paul II's visit 40 years ago. The oil-rich nation has a population of about 2 million, and due to its history of Spanish colonization, about 80% of the population is Catholic.
Currently, large portraits of the Pope and welcome banners can be seen everywhere on the streets of Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.
Malabo resident Juan Raul told AFP that he sees the Pope's visit as an opportunity to unite the country, bring about "spiritual change," and inspire people to participate in Mass.
However, some are concerned that the cost of the Pope's visit will be borne by the public. Andres Esono Ondo, leader of the opposition Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS) party, worried that the trip could lead to more suffering for the people who are forced to bear the "economic loss," which he believes "is certainly not the Pope's intention." (Translation: Liu Shu-chin) 1150421