Pope Leo XIV visited a notorious prison in the port city of Bata on Wednesday, marking the last leg of his tour of Africa.
During the visit, the pontiff delivered a rare public critique of inmate conditions in Equatorial Guinea. Addressing the prisoners, Pope Leo XIV told them that life is not defined solely by one’s mistakes and urged a greater respect for human dignity.
The visit has brought increased scrutiny to prison conditions as the pope pushes for reforms and humane treatment. He specifically highlighted concerns about overcrowding and justice in a country that has been long accused of rights abuses.