Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

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

At approximately 10.50 (local time), Pope Leo XIV arrived at the esplanade in Saurimo and toured among the faithful in an open-top car, before entering the sacristy. At around 11.15, the Pope presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

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

At the end of Holy Mass, Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba addressed some words of thanks to the Holy Father.

At around 13.15 the Pope returned to the sacristy, before transferring by car to Saurimo Airport where he took leave of some local leaders and then departed for Luanda. The aircraft carrying the Holy Father is expected to land at 15.15.

After greeting some local authorities, the Holy Father will return to the Apostolic Nunciature.

The following is the homily delivered by Pope Leo XIV during the Eucharistic celebration:

 

Homily of the Holy Father

Dear brothers and sisters,

In every part of the world, the Church lives as a people who walk as disciples of Christ, our brother and Redeemer. He, the Risen One, illumines for us the path to the Father and with the strength of the Spirit he sanctifies us so that we may transform our way of life in conformity with his love.  This is the Good News, the Gospel that courses through our veins like blood, sustaining us on the journey.  A journey that has brought me here with you today!  In the joy and beauty of our gathering, united in the name of Jesus, let us listen with open hearts to the Word of salvation for it helps us reflect on the motive and purpose for which we follow the Lord.

Indeed, when the Son of God became man, he performed striking miracles in order to manifest the will of the Father: he made light shine in the darkness by giving sight to the blind, he gave a voice to the oppressed by loosening the tongues of the mute, he slaked our thirst for justice by multiplying bread for the poor and weak.  Anyone who heard about these works set out in search of Jesus.  At the same time, the Lord looks into our heart and asks us whether we seek him out of gratitude or for our own self-interest, with calculation or with love.  In fact, he said to those who were following him: “You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves” ( Jn  6:26).  His words reveal the designs of those who do not want to encounter a person, but want to consume things.  The crowd sees Jesus as means to an end, a provider of services.  If he had not given them something to eat, his actions and teachings would not have interested them.

This happens when genuine faith is replaced with superstitious practices, in which God becomes an idol that is sought only when it is advantageous to us and only for as long as it is.  Even the most beautiful gifts of the Lord, which are always for the care of his people, become a pretext, a prize or a bargaining chip, and are misinterpreted by those who receive them.  The Gospel account, then, helps us to understand that there are erroneous motives for seeking Christ, particularly when he is considered to be a  guru  or a good luck charm.  Even the motivation of the crowd is inadequate: they were not seeking a teacher whom they love, but a leader to applaud for their own advantage.

How different is Jesus’ attitude toward us.  Yet, he does not reject this insincere search, but encourages its conversion.  He does not dismiss the crowd, but invites everyone to examine what stirs in our hearts.  Christ calls us to freedom: he does not want servants or clients, rather he seeks brothers and sisters to whom he can totally dedicate himself.  To respond with faith to this love, it is not enough to hear Jesus speak: one must accept the meaning of his words.  Neither is it enough to see what Jesus does: one must follow and imitate him.  When in the sign of shared bread we see the will of the Savior, who gives himself for us, only then do we draw closer to a true encounter with Jesus, which become discipleship, mission and service.

The admonition that the Lord directs to the crowd is thus transformed into an invitation: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life” ( Jn  6:27).  With these words, Christ expresses his true gift to us: he does not call us to be disinterested in our daily bread, which he multiplies in abundance and teaches us to ask for in prayer.  On the contrary, he teaches us the correct way to search for the bread of life, food which sustains us forever.  The desire of the crowd receives a much greater and more surprising response: Jesus does not give us food that passes away, but bread that lasts because it is the food of eternal life.

 His gift sheds light on our current situation.  We can see today how the hope of many people is frustrated by violence, exploited by the powerful and defrauded by the rich.  Consequently, when injustice corrupts hearts, the bread of all becomes the possession of a few.  In the face of these evils, Christ hears the cry of the people and renews our history by lifting us up from every fall, comforting us in every suffering and encouraging us in our mission.  Just as the Eucharist is the living bread that he never ceases to give us, so too his history knows no end.  For this reason, the risen One opens up our lives through the power of his Spirit and removes the end of our history, that is death.  Christ lives!  He is our Redeemer.  This is the Gospel that we share, making all the people of the earth our brothers and sisters.  This is the proclamation that transforms sin into forgiveness.  This is the faith that saves life!

The Easter witness, therefore, certainly pertains to Christ, the crucified one who is risen, but it also pertains even to us because in him the proclamation of our resurrection finds its voice.  We did not come into the world to die.  We were not born to become slaves either to the corruption of the flesh or that of the soul: every form of oppression, violence, exploitation and dishonesty negates the resurrection of Christ, the supreme gift of our freedom.  This liberation from death, in fact, does not happen only at the end of our days, but every day of our lives.  What must we do to welcome such a gift?  The Gospel itself teaches us: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” ( Jn  6:29).  Yes, let us believe!  Today, let us say it together with strength and with gratitude to you, Lord Jesus.  We want to follow you and serve you in our neighbor: your word is our rule of life, the measure of truth.

“Happy are those who walk in the law of the Lord” ( Ps  119/118:1).  This is the Psalm we sang.  Dear friends, it is the Lord who marks for us the path for this journey, not our exigencies, nor the current fashion.  For this reason, in light of our discipleship the ecclesial journey is a “synod of resurrection and hope,” which Saint John Paul II affirmed in his Apostolic Exhortation on Africa ( Ecclesia in Africa , 13).  Let us proceed in this wise direction!  With the Gospel in your heart, you will have courage in the face of difficulties and disappointments: the way that God has opened for us, never fails.  Indeed, the Lord always walks with us, so that we may continue on his path.  Christ himself guides and strengthens our journey, a journey that we want to learn to live more and more as it should be, that is in a synodal manner.

In this regard, “The Church proclaims the Good News of Christ not only by the proclamation of the Word which she has received from the Lord, but also by the witness of life, thanks to which Christ’s disciples bear witness to the faith, hope and love which dwell in them” ( ibid. , 55 ).  Sharing the Eucharist, the bread of eternal life, we are called to serve our people with a dedication that lifts up all who have fallen, rebuilds whenever violence destroys and shares with joy our fraternal bonds.  Through us, the initiatives of divine grace bear good fruit especially in adversity, as the example of the first martyr Stephen shows us (cf.  Acts  6: 8-15).

Dear friends, the witness of the martyrs and of the saints encourages us and pushes us onto a path of hope, reconciliation and peace, along which the gift of God becomes the responsibility of the head of the household, in the Christian community, in civil society.  Travelling together, in the light of the Gospel, the Church in Angola grows according to the spiritual fruitfulness that begins from the Eucharist and continues in the integral care of each person and of the entire people.  In particular, the vitality of the vocations that you experience is a sign that you are responding to the Lord’s gift, which is always abundant for those who welcome it with pure hearts.  Thanks to the Bread of Life, which we share today, we can continue on the journey of the whole Church, which has as its destination the Kingdom of God, whose light is faith and whose lifeblood is charity.