Pope Leo XIV urged Equatorial Guinea to serve law and justice on first day visit authoritarian state.
He arrived in Malabo concluding an 11-day African tour across one of the continent’s most closed nations.
He was received by President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled since 1979 as Africa’s longest-serving non-monarchical leader.
Speaking at the presidential palace he warned that modern conflicts are often driven by oil and mineral exploitation.
He said resource extraction frequently occurs without respect for international law or peoples’ right to self-determination principles.
Oil production accounts for nearly half of GDP and over ninety percent of exports, according to development bank data.
Human rights groups say vast revenues enrich a small elite while most citizens remain trapped in persistent poverty.
The pope highlighted a widening gap between a tiny elite and the majority amid persistent corruption concerns.
His audience included Vice President Teodorin Obiang, previously convicted in France for money laundering and embezzlement.
Leo faced a delicate balance supporting Catholic faithful while avoiding endorsement of an accused authoritarian regime.
A city walkabout under heavy security saw him greeted by crowds and briefly smiling amid supporters.
He also paid tribute to Pope Francis and is scheduled to visit Mongomo and Bata next.
