Pope Leo, during his visit to Equatorial Guinea, addressed inmates at a notorious prison in Bata, urging authorities to ensure the justice system serves not only to punish but also to protect society and rebuild lives. He emphasized that true justice 'seeks not so much to punish as to help rebuild the lives of victims, offenders and communities.'

The pontiff told hundreds of prisoners gathered in the courtyard, 'You are not alone. Your families love you and are waiting for you. Many people outside these walls are praying for you,' encouraging them not to despair. As he left, inmates shouted 'freedom' despite being drenched in rain.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have long criticized the Bata prison's dire conditions, reporting that inmates are 'reportedly routinely beaten as punishment' and that many prisoners have disappeared without trace, leaving families uncertain of their fate.

Equatorial Guinea's Justice Minister Reginaldo Biyogo Ndong claimed detainees are treated fairly and the government is committed to human rights. However, the oil-rich nation is frequently condemned for its poor human rights record and extreme wealth inequality, with Transparency International listing it among the world's most corrupt states and the World Bank reporting over half the population lives in poverty.

Pope Leo also visited a memorial for victims of a 2021 military base explosion that killed over 100 people and injured 600. He called for the country's natural wealth to be used for the benefit of all citizens, not just a privileged few, warning that the nation's future depends on the choices made.

During a Mass attended by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo—the world's longest-serving leader, who seized power in 1979—the Pope urged Equatoguineans to 'serve the common good rather than private interests, bridging the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged.' He also called for greater freedom and respect for human dignity.

The president's government denies allegations of corruption and diverting oil revenues for elite benefit, though his son was fined by a French court in 2020 for using public funds to fund a lavish lifestyle in France. Political opposition is severely restricted, and all broadcast media is state-controlled or allied with the government.

Source: www.bbc.com