Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

At 7.45 (local time), Pope Leo XIV transferred by car to Malabo International Airport, took leave of some local leaders and, at 8.10, departed on board a Boeing 777-200 bound for Mongomo, arriving at 9.10 local time.

Upon arrival at Mongomo International Airport, the Pope was welcomed by some local authorities, and then transferred by car to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, travelling the last section of the journey in an open-top car.

At 10.30 (local time), after touring among the faithful by popemobile, the Pope presided over Holy Mass on the Wednesday of the third week of Easter.

After the introductory rites and the liturgy of the Word, the Pope delivered his homily.

At the end of Holy Mass, Bishop Juan Domingo-Beka Esono Ayang of Mongomo addressed some words of gratitude to the Holy Father.

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Pope blessed the first stone of the Cathedral of Ciudad de la Paz and proceeded on foot to the “Papa Francesco” Formation Centre for the subsequent visit to the Escuela Tecnologica.

The following is the homily delivered by Pope Leo XIV during the Holy Mass after the proclamation of the Gospel, and some impromptu words before the blessing:

 

Visit to the “ Escuela Tecnologica Papa Francesco ”

At 12.30 (local time), the Holy Father Leo XIV arrived at the “Papa Francesco” Formation Centre to visit the Escuela Tecnologica . Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by Bishop Juan Domingo-Beka Esono Ayang of Mongomo and by the secretary chancellor of the diocese. After a brief welcome greeting from the bishop, the Pontiff unveiled a commemorative plaque at the entrance and blessed the structure. The bishop of Mongomo then accompanied him on a brief visit to the formation centre.

The Holy Father then transferred by car to the archbishopric, where he lunched in private.

 

Words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV before Holy Mass

Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV 

Words of the Holy Father before the final blessing

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Words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV before Holy Mass

Good morning. I warmly greet all of you and I thank you for your presence. How beautiful it is to be gathered together to praise the Lord, to give thanks for his gifts, and to receive his blessing!

It is a day blessed by the Lord. Now, at this moment, in the presence of all of you, we wish to ask for a blessing upon each of you and your families: we will do so during the celebration of Holy Mass. But now we wish to invoke the Lord’s blessing upon this cornerstone, which has been brought here and will be used to begin the construction of the future cathedral or church of the City of Peace.

We want to renew our faith; we want to renew our commitment to follow Jesus Christ faithfully in his Church — the Catholic Church. Let us all remain united together forever in the Catholic Church!

And so, let us ask for the Lord’s blessing.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pour out your blessing, Lord, upon all your people, especially today upon this stone that represents the strength of faith, the strength that unites us, the strength that makes us brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and sons and daughters of the one God.

May God bless you on this day, may he bless this stone, may he help us to always be united in the love of the Lord: he who has created us, he who has made us his children, he who accompanies us always.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, descend upon this stone and upon all of you forever.

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Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV  

Dear brothers and sisters,

We are gathered in this magnificent Cathedral Basilica, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, Mother of the Incarnate Word and Patroness of Equatorial Guinea, to listen to the Lord’s word and to celebrate the memorial that he has left us as the source and summit of the Church’s life and mission. The Eucharist truly contains every spiritual good of the Church: it is Christ, our Passover, who gives himself to us, he is the living Bread that nourishes us. His presence in the Eucharist reveals God’s infinite love for the entire human family and the way he encounters every woman and every man even today.

I am pleased to be able to celebrate with you and give thanks to the Lord for these 170 years of evangelization in Equatorial Guinea. It is a fitting occasion to recall all the good that the Lord has done, and at the same time, I wish to express my gratitude to the many missionaries, diocesan priests, catechists and lay faithful who have devoted their lives in service to the Gospel.

They have taken up the aspirations, questions and wounds of your people, and illuminated them with the Lord’s word, becoming themselves a sign of God’s love among you. Through the example of their lives, they have played their part in bringing about the Kingdom of God, unafraid of suffering for their fidelity to Christ.

It is a history that you must never forget. On the one hand, it links you to the universal and apostolic Church that came before you. On the other, it has made you protagonists in proclaiming the Gospel and bearing witness to the faith, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken by Pope  Saint Paul VI  on African soil: “Africans, from now on, you are missionaries to yourselves. The Church of Christ is well and truly planted in this blessed soil” ( Homily at the Conclusion of the Symposium Organized by the Bishops of Africa , Kampala, Uganda 31 July 1969).

With this in mind, you are called upon today to follow in the footsteps of the missionaries, pastors and laypeople who have gone before you. Each and every one of you is invited to make a personal commitment that encompasses your entire life, so that the faith — celebrated so joyfully in your communities and in your liturgies — may also nourish your charitable works and the sense of responsibility toward your neighbor, for building up the common good.

Such a commitment requires perseverance; it demands effort and, at times, sacrifice. Yet it is the sign that we are truly the Church of Christ. In fact, the first reading we heard narrates in just a few verses how a Church that fearlessly and joyfully proclaims the Gospel is also a Church that, precisely for this reason, may be persecuted (cf.  Acts  8:1–8). Nevertheless, the Acts of the Apostles tells us that, while Christians were forced to flee and were scattered, many drew near to the word of the Lord and could see with their own eyes how those who were sick in body and spirit were healed: these were the miraculous signs of God’s presence, which brought great joy to the whole city (cf. vv. 6–8).

Brothers and sisters, even when faced with personal, family and social situations that are not always favorable, we can trust that the Lord is at work, making the good seed of his Kingdom grow in ways unknown to us, including when everything around us seems barren, and even in moments of darkness. With such confidence, rooted in the power of his love rather than in our own merits, we are called to remain faithful to the Gospel, to proclaim it, to live it fully and to bear witness to it with joy. God will not fail to provide signs of his presence, and just as Jesus told us in the Gospel we heard, he once again will be for us “the bread of life” that satisfies our hunger (cf.  Jn  6:35).

What is the hunger we feel? And what does this nation hunger for today? The motto chosen for my visit is “Christ, Light of Equatorial Guinea, Towards a Future of Hope.” Perhaps this is precisely the greatest hunger today. There is hunger for a future imbued with hope that is capable of engendering a new sense of justice and producing fruits of peace and fraternity. This is not an unknown future that we must passively await, but rather one that we ourselves are called to build with God’s grace. The future of Equatorial Guinea depends upon your choices; it is entrusted to your sense of responsibility and to your shared commitment to safeguarding the life and dignity of every person.

It is therefore necessary for all the baptized to feel that they are part of the work of evangelization, and so become apostles of charity and witnesses to a new humanity.

It is a matter of taking part, with the light and strength of the Gospel, in the integral development of this land, in its renewal and in its transformation. The Creator has endowed you with great natural wealth: I urge you to work together so that it may be a blessing for all. May the Lord help you to become a society in which everyone, each according to their respective responsibilities, works ever more fully to serve the common good rather than private interests, bridging the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged. May there be greater room for freedom, and may the dignity of the human person always be safeguarded. My thoughts go to the poorest, to families experiencing difficulty and to prisoners who are often forced to live in troubling hygienic and sanitary conditions.

Brothers and sisters, there is a need for Christians to take the destiny of Equatorial Guinea into their own hands. For this reason, I would like to encourage you: do not be afraid to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to it with your lives! Be builders of a future of hope, peace and reconciliation, carrying on the work begun by the missionaries 170 years ago.

May the Immaculate Virgin Mary be with you on this journey. May she intercede for you and help you to become generous and joyful disciples of Christ.

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Words of the Holy Father before the final blessing

And we also wish to leave the chalice we used to celebrate the Eucharist at this altar as a gift to this community, to this church.  May we always be united in communion with Christ.

Welcome Ceremony and Courtesy Visit to the President of Equatorial Guinea

Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps

 

Welcome Ceremony and Courtesy Visit to the President of Equatorial Guinea

Upon arrival at Malabo International Airport, the Holy Father was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and by his wife, Constancia Mangue de Obiang. Two children in traditional dress offered the Pope a floral tribute.

After the national anthems, the Honour to the Flags and the passage of the Guard of Honour, the presentation of the respective delegations took place.

At the end of the ceremony, the Pope was accompanied by the President of the Republic to the VIP Hall for a brief private meeting.

Then, at 12.15 (local time), the Holy Father transferred by car to the Presidential Palace for the courtesy visit to the President of Equatorial Guinea, completing the final section of the journey in an open-top car.

Upon arrival, at 12.30 (local time), he was received by the President of the Republic and his wife, and was accompanied to the Ambassadors’ Hall, where the private meeting took place. Whilst moving from the Ambassadors’ Hall to the Hall for the meeting with the authorities, the Holy Father and the President paused briefly to exchange gifts.

 

Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps

At 13.00 (local time), the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the Diplomatic Corps took place, in the presence of political and religious leaders, businesspeople and representatives of civil society and culture. After the address by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV delivered his address.

Upon leaving the Hall, accompanied by the President, the Pontiff signed the Guest Book. He then transferred by car to the archbishopric, passing by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Malabo, where he paused for a brief moment of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

At the end of the meeting, at around 13.45 (local time), the Pope transferred by car to the archbishopric, where he lunched in private.

The following is the address delivered by the Holy Father Leo XIV during the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the Diplomatic Corps:

 

Address of the Holy Father

Mr President, Distinguished Civil Authorities and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I greet you cordially and thank you for your welcome and for the words addressed to me. I am happy to be here among you, visiting the beloved people of Equatorial Guinea. During his visit to the country,  Saint Pope John Paul II  described you, Mr President, as “the symbolic center to which the living aspirations of a people converge for the establishment of a social climate of authentic liberty, justice, respect and promotion of the rights of every person or group, and better living conditions, which allow everyone to realize themselves as human beings and as children of God” ( Address to the President of Equatorial Guinea , 18 February 1982). These are words that remain timely and that challenge anyone entrusted with public responsibility. On the other hand, “the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts” (Pastoral Constitution  Gaudium et Spes , 1). These expressions from the Pastoral Constitution  Gaudium et Spes  of the  Second Vatican Council  best express the reasons and sentiments that lead me to you, to confirm you in the faith and to console the people of this country undergoing rapid transformation. For, as in the heart of God, so too in the heart of the Church there resounds the echo of all that happens here, among millions of men and women for whom our Lord Jesus Christ gave his life.

You know that Saint Augustine interpreted events and history according to the model of two cities: the “city of God,” eternal and characterized by God’s unconditional love ( amor Dei ), as well as love for one’s neighbor, especially the poor; and the “earthly city,” which is a temporary dwelling place, where men and women live until death. From this perspective, the two cities coexist until the end of time (cf.  De civitate Dei , 19,14), and every human being, through the decisions he or she manifests day by day, belongs to one or the other of them.

I know that you have embarked on the ambitious project of building a new capital for your country. You have chosen to give it a name that seems to echo the biblical city of Jerusalem,  Ciudad de la Paz . May such a decision prompt every person to ask themselves which city they wish to serve!  As I had the opportunity to remind the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See , according to the great father Augustine, the earthly city is centered upon the proud love of self ( amor sui ), on the lust for power and worldly glory that leads to destruction.

By contrast, Augustine holds that Christians are called by God to dwell in the earthly city while keeping their hearts and minds turned toward the heavenly city, their true homeland. This is the city towards which Abraham “set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” ( Heb  11:8-10). Every human being can benefit from the ancient realization of living on earth as a pilgrim. It is essential to discern the difference between that which lasts and that which passes, remaining free from the pursuit of unjust wealth and the illusion of dominion. In particular, “Christians living in the earthly city are not strangers to the political world, and, guided by the Scriptures, seek to apply Christian ethics to civil government. The  City of God  does not propose a political program. Instead, it offers valuable reflections on fundamental issues concerning social and political life” ( Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See , 9 January 2026).

Today, the  Church’s social teaching  offers guidance to all who seek to address the “new things” that destabilize our planet and human coexistence, while prioritizing, above all else, the Kingdom of God and his justice. This is a fundamental dimension of the Church’s mission: to contribute to the formation of consciences through the proclamation of the Gospel, the provision of moral criteria and authentic ethical principles — all while respecting individual freedom and the autonomy of nations and their governments. Ultimately, the aim of the  Social Doctrine  is to equip people to face ever-evolving problems; for every generation is unique, bringing with it new challenges, new dreams and new questions.

In particular, we are faced with issues that shake the very foundations of the human experience. Drawing a parallel between our contemporary era and the times of  Pope Leo XIII ’s  Rerum Novarum , I have previously emphasized that “exclusion is the new face of social injustice. The gap between a ‘small minority’ — 1% of the population — and the overwhelming majority has widened dramatically… When we speak of exclusion, we are also faced with a paradox. The lack of land, food, housing and dignified work coexists with access to new technologies that have spread everywhere through the globalized markets. Cell phones, social networks and even artificial intelligence are in the pockets of millions of persons, including the poor” ( Address to Participants in the World Meeting of Popular Movements , 23 October 2025). Consequently, it is the imperative duty of civil authorities and of sound politics to dismantle the obstacles to integral human development — a mission grounded in the fundamental principles of solidarity and the universal destination of goods.

It cannot be ignored, for example, that the rapid technological evolution we are witnessing has accelerated speculation regarding raw materials. This shift seemingly overshadows fundamental imperatives such as the safeguarding of creation, the rights of local communities, the dignity of labor and the protection of public health. In this regard, I echo the appeal of  Pope Francis  who passed away exactly one year ago: “today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills” (Apostolic Exhortation  Evangelii Gaudium , 53). In fact, it is even more evident today than in years past that the proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, occurring with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples.

These same technologies often appear to be conceived and utilized primarily for warlike purposes, within contexts that fail to expand opportunities for all. On the contrary, the destiny of humanity risks being tragically compromised without a change of direction in the assumption of political responsibility and without respect for institutions and international agreements. God does not want this. His holy Name must not be profaned by the will to dominate, by arrogance or by discrimination; above all, it must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death. May your country not hesitate to evaluate its own paths of development and the positive opportunities of positioning itself on the international stage in the service of law and justice.

Yours is a young country! I am certain, therefore, that within the Church you will find help for the formation of free and responsible consciences, enabling you to advance together toward the future. In a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice. It is necessary to encourage those who believe in peace and to dare to engage in “countercurrent” politics — those which place the common good at their very center. What is urgently needed is the courage of new visions and an educational pact that gives young people space and trust. The city of God — the city of peace — is indeed received as a gift from on high, the horizon toward which our every noble aspiration turns. It is both a promise and a task. Its inhabitants “shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks” ( Is  2:4). Having dried every tear, they shall partake in a banquet no longer reserved for an élite, because a feast of rich food filled with marrow and of well-matured wines strained clear (cf.  Is  25:6) will be shared among all.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, let us walk together, with wisdom and hope, towards the city of God, which is the city of peace. Thank you!

This morning, on the aircraft that carried him to Equatorial Guinea, the Holy Father Leo XIV addressed the following greeting to those present on the flight:

 

Matteo Bruni

Good morning everyone. That section has now come to an end as well. Good morning, Your Holiness. I’ll hand over to you now, so perhaps you’d like to say a few words.

Pope Leo XIV

Good morning, everyone! Now that we have completed this part of our journey in Angola, I would first like to remember, on this first anniversary of his death,  Pope Francis , who gave so much to the Church through his life, his witness, his words and his deeds: time and again, he demonstrated this by truly living in solidarity with the poorest, the most vulnerable, the sick, children and the elderly. He left so much to the Church through his witness and his words. We can recall many things, for example: universal fraternity; seeking to foster genuine respect for all men and women; promoting this spirit of fraternity, of being brothers and sisters to one another, of seeking to live out the message we find in the Gospel whilst recognizing this spirit of brotherhood amongst all. We can also recall the message of mercy, from that  first time in the Angelus , or even  in the Holy Mass he celebrated before the inauguration of his pontificate , on 17 March 2013, when he preached on the woman caught in adultery and how he spoke from the heart of God’s mercy, how he spoke from the heart of this great love, of forgiveness, a generous expression of the Lord’s mercy. And he wished to share this spirit with the whole Church, also by holding that beautiful celebration of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Let us pray that he is already enjoying the Lord’s mercy and let us thank the Lord for the great gift of Francis’s life to the whole Church and to the whole world. Now, I think there are perhaps a few questions about Angola… But we are truly happy! Ah, I must not forget – I think there are two or three of you celebrating your birthdays today; best wishes to them too! Who are they? [Bruni replies]. Happy birthday!

Matteo Bruni

Here are some Angolan journalists in front of you; the first to ask a question will be Adelina, from Angolan Television.

First question

Good morning, Your Holiness! How can the Church help the Angolan state to improve education and healthcare? What sort of Church have you found in Angola, bearing in mind that the Angolan Church is very vibrant in terms of vocations, mothers and fathers [nuns and priests]?

Pope Leo XIV

Well, certainly, when it comes to how the Church can assist the State, we are entering into a complex issue… We are all working together for the good of the entire population, but from different perspectives. However, I can tell you that one of the issues I discussed with the President is precisely that of health and education: how we can also work together, where possible, to improve the services that the State, in the case of Angola, offers above all to the people: the construction of new hospitals, new facilities. A strong commitment for the good of the people. This is truly important. I believe that the Church has a responsibility, through witness, through the word and also through preaching – a courageous proclamation of the word of God – to recognize the rights of all and to help, in this sense, to promote universal rights.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness! Thank you, Adelina Domingos. The next question is from the Angolan Press Agency, Mauro Romeo.

Second question

Good morning, Your Holiness! Angola has recently lost its Cardinal, and the Angolan people are eagerly awaiting another. When will this happen, Holy Father?

Pope Leo XIV

That is the question many people want to ask. It has not yet been decided when new Cardinals will be appointed. We need to look at the matter from a global perspective. We hope that for Africa, and perhaps even for Angola in the future – I am not saying in the immediate future, but a little further down the line – the appointment of a new Cardinal for Angola might also be considered. Thank you.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness! The final question is from Cornelio Bento of Angolan Catholic Radio.

Third question

Good morning, Your Holiness! The Church in Angola has grown considerably in terms of the number of faithful. There is a growing sense that the Dioceses are becoming too few to cater for them. Will new Dioceses be established in Angola, or have the Angolan Bishops not yet requested this, Your Holiness?

Pope Leo XIV

Well, it is always a joy to see places around the world where the Church is growing. And we all know that there are other places in the world where the opposite is the case. So, there is a call here to evangelization, to continue proclaiming the Gospel and seeking to invite others – not through proselytism, as Pope Francis has often said, but because of the beauty and appeal of the faith. The joy of believers is one of the best proclamations of the faith, of the Gospel. And so it is true that in Angola the Church is growing. Through the work of the Bishops themselves, who can put forward proposals, and with the cooperation of the Apostolic Nuncio, we can see in concrete terms where it would be important to create new Dioceses for the good of the people, to have the opportunity for more Bishops to be closer to the people as shepherds. Thank you.

Very well. Have a safe flight, have a safe journey! Good wishes to you all!

Resignation and appointment of bishop of London, Canada

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of London, Canada, presented by Bishop Ronald P. Fabbrio, C.S.B.

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Daniel J. Miehm as bishop of the diocese of London, Canada, transferring him from the diocese of Peterborough.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop Daniel J. Miehm was born on 27 August 1960 in Kitchener. After studying philosophy at Saint Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Ontario, and theology at Saint Augustine Seminary in Toronto, he was awarded a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas in Rome.

He was ordained a priest on 6 May 1989 for the diocese of Hamilton.

He has held the following offices: parish vicar of Saint Francis Xavier in Stoney Creek (1989-1992) and of Christ the King Cathedral in Hamilton (1992-1994), vicar of Christ the King Cathedral, Defender of the Bond in the ecclesiastical tribunal of Hamilton, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hamilton (1998-2004) and of Saint Ann in Ancaster (2004-2012), parish priest of Saint Benedict in Milton and spiritual assistant of the Saint Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild (2012).

He was appointed titular bishop of Gor and auxiliary of the diocese of Hamilton on 20 February 2013, receiving episcopal consecration on the following 7 May.

On 10 March 2017 he was appointed bishop of Peterborough, taking possession of the see on the following 19 April.

Departure from Luanda and Farewell Ceremony from Angola

After celebrating Holy Mass in private, and taking leave of the Apostolic Nunciature, at 8.35 (local time) Pope Leo XIV transferred by car to Luanda International Airport for the farewell ceremony from Angola.

Upon arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. After the national anthems, the passage of the Guard of Honour, and the greeting of the respective delegations, the Pope boarded an ITA A330-900neo and departed at 9.19 (local time), bound for Equatorial Guinea.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father is expected to land at Malabo International Airport at 11.45 local time.

 

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Angola

Immediately after departure, Pope Leo XIV sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Angola:

 

Telegram

His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço President of the Republic of Angola Luanda

As I now travel to Equatorial Guinea, I express my deep gratitude to Your Excellency, the authorities and the people of Angola for the warm reception and hospitality provided to me during my visit. I willingly renew the assurance of my prayers for the Nation, and I invoke upon all Angolans Almighty God’s blessings of joy and harmony.

Leo PP. XIV