Addressing authorities, civil society and members of the diplomatic corps in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV invites those gathered to reject exclusion, uphold human dignity, and orient development towards the common good rather than power and profit.
By Vatican News For his first public address during his Apostolic Journey to Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV addressed the country’s political authorities, civil society and members of the diplomatic corps in Malabo, the country's capital. After a brief welcome from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Pope Leo addressed him and the public officials present, recalling the words of Pope John Paul II, who in 1982 described the head of state as "the symbolic centre to which the living aspirations of a people converge for the establishment of a social climate of authentic liberty, justice, respect and promotion of the rights of every person". He noted that these words "remain timely" and continue to challenge those entrusted with public responsibility. Confirming the faith The Pope then went on to quote Gaudium et Spes, saying "the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time… are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well". He explained that his presence in the country was intended "to confirm you in the faith and to console the people of this country undergoing rapid transformation". Reflecting then on Saint Augustine of Hippo, particularly the distinction between the "city of God" and the "earthly city". The Pope described the former as "characterised by God’s unconditional love", and the latter as marked by "the proud love of self… and the lust for power and worldly glory that leads to destruction". He invited those present to reflect personally and politically on this difference, asking: "which city they wish to serve". New City of Peace Referring then to Equatorial Guinea’s project of building a new capital, Ciudad de la Paz (City of Peace), he suggested that the name itself should prompt ethical reflection. Political life, he stressed, must not be driven by "the pursuit of unjust wealth and the illusion of dominion", but it must instead be oriented towards what is lasting. The Pope also highlighted the role of the Church’s social teaching, which he said offers "moral criteria and authentic ethical principles" while respecting "the autonomy of nations and their governments". He emphasised that each generation faces new challenges, requiring renewed discernment. Exclusion is an injustice Turning then to more contemporary global issues, the Pope went on to warn that "exclusion is the new face of social injustice". He highlighted the the widening gap between a small minority and the majority and noted the paradox whereby "the lack of land, food, housing and dignified work coexists with access to new technologies", including mobile phones and artificial intelligence. Pope Leo then went on to call on political leaders to "dismantle the obstacles to integral human development", grounded in solidarity and the universal destination of goods. He raised particular concern about the impact of technological and economic developments on natural resources, and warned that speculation risks overshadowing "the safeguarding of creation, the rights of local communities, the dignity of labor and the protection of public health". No to an economy that kills Echoing Pope Francis, who died one year ago today, the Pope stressed: "We also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills". Pope Leo then added that armed conflicts are increasingly linked to the exploitation of oil and mineral resources "with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples". The Pope then warned against the misuse of technology for military purposes, emphasising that "the destiny of humanity risks being tragically compromised without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility". He urged respect for international institutions and warned that God’s name "must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death". For free an responsible consciences Bringing his address to a close, Pope Leo turned to the country’s youth and future, describing Equatorial Guinea as "a young country" capable of forming "free and responsible consciences". He encouraged leaders to support "countercurrent politics" centred on the common good and finally called for "the courage of new visions and an educational pact that gives young people space and trust". At the end of the audience, Pope Leo signed the Book of Honor, accompanied by the President of Equatorial Guinea.