During his visit, the pope condemned the 'colonization' of Africa's minerals and the 'lust for power,' calling for efforts to close the gap between the privileged and disadvantaged. The Catholic Church holds deep roots in Equatorial Guinea, with Vatican data indicating about 75% of the population is Catholic, one of the highest percentages in Africa. 9 million people and is integrated into state ceremonies, such as Independence Day featuring a Catholic Mass.
In 2011, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was inaugurated in the Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Mongomo, the largest religious building in Central Africa. -based activist, described the church as intrinsically interconnected with the government, partly due to fear instilled by authorities and monetary gains. Rev.
Obiang knows very well that the pope's visit comes like a ring on his finger. Obiang will use the pope's presence to clean up his image.
Fortunatus Nwachukwu, No. 2 in the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office, stated that the church should not go to war against the government, saying, 'Should the church go to war against the government? ' President Obiang, Africa's longest-serving president in power since 1982, has faced accusations from activists of running a repressive regime.
According to The Independent - Main, Gutïn Bae Tongala, a 59-year-old cook who left Equatorial Guinea in 2002 to take refuge in Spain, described Obiang using the papal visit to clean up his image. Obiang has sought international respect through high-profile events like hosting the pope or organizing the Africa Cup of Nations. Equatorial Guinea is officially a secular country, and Tongala blames the government for abuse of minority groups and decades of systemic oppression.
Obiang will use the pope's presence to clean up his image.
It remains unclear how the church responds to allegations of government ties or whether the pope's visit will impact justice efforts. The extent of repression under Obiang's rule and why officials did not comment on reported abuses are also unknown.
Part of it is the fear the government has instilled in everyone, including the church, and part of it is the monetary gains that the church derives from this government.