Pope Leo visits Equatorial Guinea

The Holy Father's historic trip to Bata and Mongomo has put a spotlight on one of Africa's most repressive regimes, led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979.

During a mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope urged young Africans to stay and serve their countries rather than migrating.

He is also scheduled to visit a notorious prison and pay tribute to victims of a deadly 2021 explosion.

While many Catholics have greeted the visit with joy, others fear the pontiff's presence may inadvertently lend legitimacy to long-standing strongman leaders.