Pope Leo XIV arrives in Equatorial Guinea, marking the fourth and final leg of his Apostolic Journey to four African nations.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Leo landed in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Africa's only Spanish-speaking country, at 11:31 AM local time, and will remain there until Thursday, April 23, marking the final leg of his 11-day Apostolic Journey. The Holy Father had departed from Luanda, Angola, at 9:19 AM local time, concluding his Apostolic Journey to Angola. The Pope spent three days in the central African nation, during which he visited three cities: Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo. In Equatorial Guinea, the Pope will pay a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace. He will also meet with authorities, members of civil society, and the diplomatic corps. Later, he is scheduled to meet representatives from the world of culture at the León XIV Campus of the National University, visit staff and patients at the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital, and hold a private meeting with the country's Bishops. On Wednesday, Pope Leo will travel from Malabo to Mongomo. He will celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and visit the Pope Francis Technology School. He will then continue on to Bata, where he is scheduled to visit the local prison, pray at the memorial to the victims of the 7 March 2021 explosion, and meet with young people and families at the city’s stadium. The day will conclude with his return to Malabo. Finally, on Thursday, 23 April, marking the final day of the Holy Father's Apostolic Journey, the Pope will celebrate Mass at Malabo Stadium before taking part in a farewell ceremony at the airport. Pope Leo will then depart for Rome, where he is expected to arrive later that day.