Pope Leo finished his grand tour of Africa this week, and his final stop in Equatorial Guinea felt less like a warm welcome and more like a polite, diplomatic scolding. For those who need a geography and history lesson, this oil-rich nation is currently led by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He has been in power since 1979, a tenure that makes most other world leaders look like mere interns.
The Pontiff spent his visit gently pointing out that perhaps the local leadership should focus on helping citizens instead of just hoarding the national wealth for themselves.
Behind Bars and Behind the Times
The Pope visited a prison in Bata, a facility notorious for conditions that human rights groups describe as truly dire. While the local Justice Minister insisted that detainees are treated fairly, the reality on the ground tells a much darker story. Rights organisations report that prisoners are routinely beaten and that many people simply disappear into the system, never to be heard from again.
Pope Leo told the inmates to keep their dignity and reminded them that they are not alone. As he left the courtyard, the prisoners shouted the word freedom. It was a moment that surely made the government officials standing nearby feel quite uncomfortable.
Oil Wealth for the Few
The Pope also had some blunt words about the country’s massive oil reserves. He urged the government to use this natural wealth to improve the lives of the wider population, rather than lining the pockets of a tiny, privileged few. This is a bold request in a nation where the president’s own son previously faced legal trouble in France for blowing public money on a lifestyle that would make a billionaire blush.
Transparency International often ranks Equatorial Guinea as one of the most corrupt states on the planet. With more than half of the population living in poverty, it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Pope did not shy away from the topic. He spoke about respecting the rights of every citizen and urged leaders to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
A Legacy of Power
President Obiang, who is now 83 years old, held a private meeting with the Pope. One has to wonder what they talked about behind closed doors. Did they discuss political reform? Or did they just swap notes on the challenges of running a country where the opposition is rarely tolerated and the press is firmly under government control?
Pope Leo has used his entire African tour to speak his mind, taking aim at tyrants and condemning the way powerful groups exploit the continent’s resources. He clearly does not care about offending the status quo. In a world where politics is often a game of careful, empty words, the Pope seems quite happy to say the quiet part out loud.
If you enjoyed this look at the intersection of faith and politics, do share this article with your friends. Also, make sure you sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of future stories.
Related topics: Africa
