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Pope Leo XIV ends 11-day Africa tour in Malabo, saying the continent’s faith and witness will deeply enrich his ministry as Successor of Peter.
Newsroom (23/04/2026 Gaudium Press) Pope Leo XIV brought his 11-day Apostolic Journey across Africa to a close on Wednesday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, offering a farewell marked by gratitude, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for the continent’s role in the life of the Church.
Speaking at the conclusion of Mass in Malabo Stadium—the final event of his visit—the Pope acknowledged the significance of the moment, telling the faithful that “the time has come” for his departure. His remarks underscored both the emotional weight of the journey’s end and the enduring impact of the experiences gathered along the way.
The Holy Father expressed heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop, bishops, clergy, and lay faithful, describing them collectively as “the people of God journeying in this land,” where the Gospel has taken root for 170 years. Emphasizing their mission, he affirmed that “Christ is the Light of Equatorial Guinea,” adding that the faithful themselves are “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
Beyond ecclesial communities, Pope Leo XIV extended his appreciation to civil authorities and all those who contributed to organizing the visit, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the successful journey.
Reflecting on his time across the continent, the Pope spoke of leaving Africa with what he called “an immeasurable treasure of faith, hope, and charity.” This treasure, he explained, is composed of the many encounters and testimonies he experienced—stories marked by both joy and suffering.
“These stories, faces, and testimonies… will greatly enrich my life and ministry as the Successor of Peter,” he said, signaling the profound personal and pastoral impact of the trip.
The Pope also pointed to Africa’s enduring significance in the global Church, suggesting that the continent, much like in the early centuries of Christianity, is called to shape the Church’s holiness and missionary identity. His remarks framed Africa not only as a recipient of evangelization but as an active and vital contributor to the Church’s future.
Entrusting the people of Equatorial Guinea and the entire continent to the care of the Virgin Mary, he concluded with a prayer for families, communities, and nations, invoking her intercession for their continued growth and unity.
Shortly after the Mass, Pope Leo XIV departed from Malabo at around 2 p.m. local time. At the airport, he greeted national authorities before boarding his flight back to Rome, closing what has been his third Apostolic Journey abroad since the beginning of his pontificate.
Since April 13, the Pope has visited four African nations—Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea—delivering messages centered on peace, justice, and encouragement. In each country, he engaged with both citizens and leaders, reflecting on their histories and addressing present challenges while offering hope for the future.
He is expected to arrive in Rome at approximately 8 p.m. local time, where he will likely hold his customary in-flight press conference with journalists, offering further insights into a journey that he has described as deeply transformative for his ministry.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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