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Pope criticizes colonization of Africa's minerals as he arrives in Equatorial Guinea

Pope Leo XIV has denounced the “colonization” of minerals and the “lust for power” in Equatorial Guinea at the end of his four-nation African trip

NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press
Apr 22, 2026
16 hrs ago
0

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People wait for Pope Leo XIV in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday, on the ninth day of his 11-day pastoral visit to Africa.

Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, second left, upon his arrival at Malabo International Airport in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday.

Misper Apawu, Associated Press

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NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday on the fourth and final leg of his Africa journey, and denounced the “colonization” of Africa's minerals and the “lust for power” in a country whose repressive leader has been in office since 1979.

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Equatorial Guinea Africa Pope — Pope Leo XIV, flanked by Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, right, is welcomed by Archbishop Juan Nsue Edjang Mayé, left, and Juan Domingo-Beka Esono Ayang upon his arrival at Malabo International Airport in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday.
Misper Apawu, Associated Press

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Associated Press writers Monika Pronczuk in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and Ope Adetayo in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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