Pope Leo condemns mineral exploitation in Equatorial Guinea during Africa tour finale

During his Tuesday arrival in Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo criticized what he termed the 'colonisation' of Africa's mineral resources and denounced global profit motives that 'kill'. The pontiff's visit to Malabo marked the conclusion of his African journey, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds in this predominantly Catholic nation. Equatorial Guinea's economy underwent dramatic transformation following mid-1990s offshore oil discoveries, with petroleum now constituting nearly half its GDP and over 90% of exports according to African Development Bank data. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africa's longest-serving leader since 1979, governs the former Spanish colony amid allegations of widespread corruption and authoritarian practices documented by Human Rights Watch and international court cases. Despite substantial oil revenues, more than half of the country's approximately 2 million residents live in poverty, with wealth reportedly concentrated within the ruling family rather than benefiting the broader population. Senior Catholic official Diosdado Marques expressed hope that the papal visit—the first since St John Paul II's 1982 trip—would bring spiritual renewal and societal change. Pope Leo traveled in his open-sided Popemobile to the presidential palace while wearing his formal red mozzetta cape, thrilling flag-waving crowds who lined the route from the airport.