Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning that the future of humanity is being “tragically compromised” by ongoing conflicts and the weakening of international law.
Speaking in Equatorial Guinea during the final leg of his Africa tour, the pope criticized global leaders for failing to uphold justice, peace, and cooperation. Addressing President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and other officials, he stressed the need for greater political responsibility and respect for global institutions.
The pontiff also condemned the use of religion to justify violence, stating that God should never be invoked to support war or oppression. “God does not want this,” he said, urging leaders to abandon actions driven by domination, arrogance, or discrimination.
During his remarks, Pope Leo linked global conflicts to competition over natural resources such as oil and minerals, warning that exploitation is fueling instability and bloodshed worldwide.
The visit to Equatorial Guinea marks the final stop of his multi-country African tour, during which he has consistently spoken out against inequality, authoritarian leadership, and injustice. Earlier in Angola, he criticized systems that exploit ordinary people for the benefit of powerful elites.
Pope Leo also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, marking one year since his passing.
As part of his visit, the pope is expected to tour a detention facility in the city of Bata and visit the site of a deadly 2021 explosion, highlighting concerns over human rights and governance in the country.
His message throughout the trip has remained consistent: without a shift toward justice, accountability, and peace, the global outlook remains increasingly uncertain.
