Awaiting Pope Leo XIV

Malabo (Equatorial Guinea). On 13 April 2026, Pope Leo XIV departed for his third apostolic journey—following his visits to Turkey and Lebanon (November 27 to December 2, 2025) and Monaco (March 28)—traveling to Algeria, in the footsteps of Saint Augustine, and subsequently to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. In these latter countries, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Queen of Peace (ANG) and Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello (AEC) Provinces are present, awaiting the Pontiff’s visit with joy. (Program)

This journey reaffirms the Pope’s commitment to dialogue, international cooperation, and the promotion of peace. “Peace be with all of you! As-salamu alaykom!” these were, in fact, the first words he spoke in his greeting in Algiers, before the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument. And he continued by saying:

“In this place, we are reminded that God desires peace for every nation, a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict, but an expression of justice and dignity. And this peace, which enables us to face the future with a reconciled spirit, is possible only through forgiveness. The true struggle for liberation will be definitively won only when the peace of hearts has finally been achieved. I know how difficult it is to forgive; yet, as conflicts continue to multiply throughout the world, we cannot add resentment to resentment, generation after generation. The future belongs to men and women of peace. Ultimately, justice will always triumph over injustice, just as violence, despite all appearances, will never have the last word.”

  In Equatorial Guinea – Where he will be present from 21 to 23 April, marking the conclusion of his journey, the Holy Father will undertake a pastoral and institutional visit comprising meetings with state authorities, liturgical celebrations with the Catholic community, and dialogues with various sectors of society. This visit holds particular significance, as it strengthens the historical ties between the Holy See and the Country while simultaneously promoting the values ​​of coexistence and faith. It is regarded as a historic milestone, occurring 44 years after the last papal visit, aimed at fostering peace and social cohesion. Meetings are scheduled in Malabo, along with visits to sites such as the Sampaka Psychiatric Center and the National University, underscoring the social dimension of the visit.

The catechetical preparation in Equatorial Guinea for the visit of Pope Leo XIV, in which the FMA are actively involved, focuses on intense prayer, sincere conversion, and communal reconciliation. The Bishops are striving to strengthen the faith and rebuild social bonds, inspired by hope for the arrival of the Pontiff. “Christ, Light of Equatorial Guinea, toward a future of hope” is, in fact, the motto of the Visit to this Country.

Prayer has thus intensified in parishes throughout the Country, and the People of God are invited to a journey of conversion and reconciliation to receive God’s embrace.

The Diocese of Malabo is preparing itself by raising public awareness and strengthening the identity of the local Church. To this end, a commission has been established composed of diocesan priests and a group of religious men and women to develop eight preparatory catecheses covering:

1. The four marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
2. The Local Church and its Relationship with the Holy See.
3. The Ministry and Authority of the Pope.
4. The Relationship between Church and State.
5. The Liturgy: Culmination and Place of Encounter of the Life of the Church.
6. We are a Church on mission.
7. Mary in Our History and in the History of All Peoples.

The themes were shared across all parishes through various pastoral workers, and in all Catholic schools through educational pastoral teams, thereby ensuring a shared journey for the People of God in welcoming and rejoicing in the visit of His Holiness. Throughout this entire process, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians collaborated in various activities and commissions.

At the same time, the need arose to disseminate these catechetical sessions through various media channels. The government deemed the initiative appropriate and provided the time, materials, and space for the production of a program titled, “Church and Humanity.” The program runs for one hour and airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM on local television, thereby creating a space for dialogue, encounter, and preparation for the Pope’s visit.

Sister Ana Laura Carranco, FMA, of Mary Help of Christians Community in Malabo, collaborated on this program, together with another religious catechist from the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, and a diocesan priest serving as an analyst and helping the audience reflect upon and understand the structure and reality of the Church.

“It was a deeply enriching experience of ecclesial collaboration; using the media to raise awareness, prepare, and evangelize is a tremendous opportunity. When we share a common goal, when each of us feels responsible for the journey of ‘our Church,’ we seek out the necessary spaces and channels to realize it; that is when we are truly Church. I believe that the fruits of Pope Leo XIV’s visit are already making themselves felt today,” observes Sister Ana Laura.