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Pope Leo XIV issued a stern warning on Tuesday during his visit to Equatorial Guinea, stating that the future of humanity is “tragically compromised” by persistent warfare and the erosion of international law.
As the first American Pope, Leo used the final leg of his four-nation Africa tour to deliver a forceful critique of global leadership, specifically denouncing the “colonisation” of natural resources like oil and minerals, which he identified as a primary driver of violent conflict.
Speaking directly to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and other political leaders, the Pontiff emphasised that religious language must never be used to justify “actions of death” or the will to dominate others.
These remarks follow a period of increasingly outspoken commentary from the Pope, who has recently drawn criticism from conservative circles for his opposition to the ongoing war with Iran and his sharp denunciations of authoritarianism and economic exploitation.
The Pope’s itinerary in Equatorial Guinea includes visits to a high-security detention centre and the site of a devastating 2021 military barracks explosion in Bata.
Human rights activists view the visit as a critical opportunity to highlight the need for justice and accountability in a nation frequently criticised for its repressive governance.
Pope Leo is expected to continue using his platform to advocate for human dignity and the sanctity of international agreements throughout the remainder of his historic tour.
