Photo ©: Vatican Media

(ANS – Bata) – The penultimate day of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Equatorial Guinea, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, was filled with travel and significant engagements, including visits to Mongomo and Bata, before returning to the capital, Malabo, in the evening.

Upon arrival at Mengomeyén International Airport, near Mongomo, the Holy Father proceeded to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he presided over Mass for thousands of faithful gathered for the occasion.

Before entering the cathedral, the Pope blessed the foundation stone for the future “City of Peace” Cathedral. In his homily, delivered in Spanish—the country’s national language—he explained that proclaiming the Gospel can sometimes come at the cost of persecution, as reflected in the Acts of the Apostles. At the same time, he emphasized that the Gospel of John reminds us that Christ “will not let us lack the signs of His presence,” nourishing us with the bread of life.

In a nation rich in oil and natural gas resources, Pope Leo XIV also encouraged the creation of “spaces of freedom” that safeguard human dignity, especially for the most vulnerable: the poor, struggling families, and prisoners, “who are often forced to live in concerning hygienic and sanitary conditions.”

For this reason, at the conclusion of his homily, he invited the Christians of Equatorial Guinea to “continue the work that the missionaries began 170 years ago,” building a “future of hope, peace, and reconciliation.”

After the Mass, before departing for Bata, the Pope inaugurated and visited the “Pope Francis” Technical School, an educational facility in Mongomo named after the Argentine Pontiff and located just steps from the Basilica.

Visit to the Prison in Bata

In the densely populated coastal city of Bata—considered the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea—the Holy Father visited a place marked by suffering: the city prison, where he brought his message of peace and hope.

The prison, one of the largest in the country, has a capacity of 1,000 inmates and currently houses more than 650, including both men and women. To them, the Pope offered a powerful message:

“No one is excluded from God’s love! Each of us, with our own story, our own mistakes, and our own sufferings, remains precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

Despite the rain, his words deeply moved those present, who responded with songs and chants of “Libertad! Libertad!”

The Bishop of Rome also reflected on the meaning of “true justice,” which “seeks not so much to punish, but above all to help rebuild the lives of victims, the guilty, and communities wounded by evil.” He encouraged a vision that moves beyond mere imprisonment toward inclusion:

“You too are part of this country. Your families, your communities, and your faith are a great strength for this nation.”

After rekindling hope and dignity among the inmates, he urged them to embrace the possibility of a new beginning:

“Life is not defined only by the mistakes one has made… there is always the chance to rise again, to learn, and to become a new person.”

Moment of Remembrance

Later in the day, the Pope visited the monument commemorating the victims of the 2021 explosion at the Nkoantoma military base, which claimed at least 107 lives and left more than 600 injured. Stepping out of his vehicle, he paused in silent prayer—hands clasped and head bowed—before offering his blessing at this site marked by tragedy.

Meeting with Young People and Families

In the final event of the day, before returning to Malabo, the Holy Father met with young people and families at the stadium in Bata. He listened attentively to testimonies addressing challenges such as women’s roles in the workplace and the realities of married life.

Addressing thousands of young people, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the history and traditions of Equatorial Guinea, highlighting the cultural heritage that shapes identity:

“It is this luminous and demanding heritage of which you, dear young people, are called to be the foundation—in faith—of your future and of this land. The future is yours!”

He then turned to the families present, describing them as “the fertile soil in which the fresh and fragile tree of your human and Christian growth takes root.” He emphasized that being spouses and parents is an “exciting mission,” to be lived daily as a renewed covenant:

“Become co-creators, together with God, of the miracle of life and builders of happiness… Prepare yourselves to live this calling as a journey of true love that grows in freedom; a journey of hope rooted in the certainty that God does not abandon you; a journey of holiness that always seeks the good and happiness of the other.”