Pope Leo has criticised prison conditions in Equatorial Guinea, urging authorities to urgently reform the justice system and uphold the dignity of inmates as he concluded his Africa tour.
On his final stop in Equatorial Guinea during the concluding phase of his Africa tour, the pontiff visited a detention facility in Bata, widely criticised for harsh living conditions, where he called for a shift away from punitive justice systems toward rehabilitation-focused reforms.
During the prison visit, Pope Leo addressed inmates gathered in the courtyard, stressing that true justice must prioritise restoration rather than punishment.
“True justice seeks not so much to punish as to help rebuild the lives of victims, offenders and communities,” he said, adding that it must “always promote the dignity of every person.”
The visit renewed international attention to longstanding allegations raised by Amnesty International, which has documented reported abuses in the facility, including claims that inmates are routinely beaten as punishment.
The rights group also alleged that several detainees have disappeared without trace, leaving families uncertain about their whereabouts.
However, Equatorial Guinea’s Justice Minister, Reginaldo Biyogo Ndong, rejected the allegations, insisting that detainees are treated fairly and reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding human rights standards.
Speaking directly to the inmates, Pope Leo offered words of encouragement and solidarity.
“You are not alone,” he told them, reminding them that their families and supporters were praying for them outside the facility, ” he said.
Witnesses reported emotional reactions from inmates, with some shouting “freedom” as the pontiff departed the prison grounds.
The prison visit formed part of a broader humanitarian message delivered throughout his final engagements in the country.
Earlier, the Pope attended a memorial for victims of a 2021 military base explosion in Bata, which claimed more than 100 lives, where he paid tribute to the deceased.
He later addressed large crowds at a stadium event, calling for stronger protection of civil rights across society.
“At a Mass attended by about 100,000 people, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Pope Leo expanded his message to include vulnerable groups such as the poor, struggling families, and prisoners living under difficult conditions.
He urged national leaders to address inequality and ensure fair distribution of wealth and opportunities.
“The Creator has endowed you with great natural wealth. I urge you to work together so that it may be a blessing for all,” he said, warning against the concentration of resources in the hands of a few.
Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich nation, has long faced criticism over inequality, corruption, and restrictions on political opposition.
Transparency International has consistently ranked it among the world’s most corrupt countries, while World Bank data indicates that more than half of the population lives in poverty.
Pope Leo concluded his visit with a final Mass in the capital, Malabo, attended by thousands, including the president.
Throughout his Africa tour, which included stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola, he repeatedly called for justice, accountability, and equitable use of natural resources across the continent.
