Pope Leo XIV in Equatorial Guinea

The Pope's visit to the port city of Bata has drawn international attention to human rights abuses in one of Africa's most closed-off states.

He urged the government of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to place itself in the service of law and justice rather than private interests.

Leo also visited a notorious prison and held a moment of prayer for victims of a past explosion that killed over 100 people.

Campaigners hope the visit will pressure the long-serving ruler to implement meaningful reforms as the country faces increasing scrutiny.