Pope Leo XIV is set to arrive in Malabo on Tuesday as part of a historic tour of Africa, marking the first papal visit to Equatorial Guinea in decades. The trip follows stops in Angola, Algeria and Cameroon, where the Pope delivered sharp criticisms of corruption and authoritarian rule, denouncing the "handful of tyrants" and "chains of corruption" that have plagued parts of the continent. Church leaders in Equatorial Guinea say the visit is a moment of pride and spiritual renewal, hoping it will boost national unity and deepen religious commitment among citizens. The government has declared a public holiday for the day of the Pope's arrival, and security forces have been placed on high alert ahead of the event. Streets in the capital have been repaved, and banners welcoming the pontiff have been erected across the city. The Pope is scheduled to hold an open-air Mass at Independence Stadium, expected to draw tens of thousands. This visit makes Equatorial Guinea one of the few African countries included in the current papal tour, a decision local officials say reflects the nation's growing religious significance on the continent. The Vatican has not released a detailed itinerary for the Malabo leg of the trip, but sources confirm the Pope will meet with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The meeting is expected to focus on interfaith dialogue, youth engagement and poverty reduction. After the Malabo visit, the Pope will depart for Rome, concluding his week-long journey across Central and West Africa.
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