BATA, Equatorial Guinea – Pope Leo XIV visited a prison Tuesday afternoon, telling inmates that “no one is deprived of God’s love” and urging them to see that even behind bars, there remains the possibility of change, reconciliation and hope.
The Pope arrived in the coastal city of Bata after celebrating Mass in Mongomo earlier in the day.
Before heading to the local prison – known for having some of the harshest and longest detention conditions in the country – Leo stopped at the Cathedral of St. James and Our Lady of Pilar for a brief moment of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
At the prison, Leo XIV was welcomed by Justice Minister Reginaldo Biego MBA Ndong Anguisomo, the prison director and the chaplain, Father Pergentino Esono MBA, 58, who has worked in the Bata Penitentiary for 24 years.
One of the more than 600 prisoners thanked the Pope for his visit and support.
“We want to thank you for your visit and your support,” the inmate said. “Your presence reminds us of the importance of faith and salvation. We ask for your blessings to keep moving forward and come out of this as better people. We are grateful for your compassion and your message of hope.”
Meanwhile, the clergy thanked the Pope “for his message of mercy and forgiveness.”
He said, “Your example inspires us to believe in the possibility of change and to believe that even in darkness, God always opens the door to light and hope.”
Pope Leo began by thanking the prisoners for their testimony.
He said, “I have listened to you carefully. Thank you for your honesty and for showing us that even amidst difficulties, human dignity and hope are never lost.”
“Today, I am here to tell you something simple: No one has been denied God’s love! Each of us, with our unique stories, mistakes, and sufferings, remains precious in God’s eyes.”
He also emphasized that the aim of justice should not be merely to punish but also to rebuild life.
“True justice is not so much about punishing but about helping to rebuild the lives of victims, perpetrators and communities wounded by evil. There is no justice without reconciliation.”
Hope and change were central themes of the Pope’s address.
“If any of you fear being abandoned by everyone, know that God will never abandon you and the Church will stand by your side. Every effort towards reconciliation and every act of kindness can give hope to others.”
He added: “God never gets tired of forgiving.”
After leaving the prison, the Pope, under torrential rain, stopped briefly to pray at the memorial in honor of the victims of the March 7, 2021 blast.
That day, a series of four explosions occurred at a military barracks in the Nkoantoma neighborhood of Bata District. At least 107 people were killed and more than 600 injured, with widespread damage reported throughout the city.
this story was first published By ACI Stampa, EWTN News’ Italian language partner service. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
