Pope Leo visits Equatorial Guinea

During his historic visit to Malabo, Pope Leo XIV used his platform to speak out against the exploitation of Africa's natural resources and the 'lust for power' among leadership.

The pontiff's itinerary includes a visit to one of the country's notorious prisons, a move seen as a direct challenge to the repressive regime of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Adoring crowds have lined the streets, though some critics fear the visit may inadvertently provide legitimacy to the long-standing dictatorship.

The trip marks the first papal visit to Equatorial Guinea since 1982 and concludes an 11-day journey across the continent.