On April 23, 2026, Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn Holy Mass at Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea, marking the final public liturgical celebration of his Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The official Vatican programme listed the Mass at Malabo Stadium on April 23, and the Vatican Media video source presents the celebration under the title “Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, Holy Mass, 23 April 2026 – Pope Leo XIV.”

Thousands of faithful gathered in the stadium to welcome the Pope with prayer, music, flags, and visible joy. For many local Catholics, the Mass was a historic moment of faith, especially because Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Equatorial Guinea was part of a wider African journey focused on hope, justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of every people.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the power of the Word of God to give meaning to human life. Vatican News reported that the Pope said the story of each person’s life finds its meaning in the Gospel. He reminded the faithful that problems do not simply disappear in God’s presence, but they are illuminated by His love and transformed by faith.

 The Pope encouraged believers not to lose hope when facing suffering, poverty, fear, or uncertainty. He explained that every cross can find redemption in Christ, and that the Gospel helps people understand their own struggles through the light of God’s mercy. His words carried a message of comfort for families, young people, workers, the sick, and all those searching for direction in difficult times.

The Mass also became a moment of thanksgiving for the Church in Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV praised the faith of the people and reminded them that Scripture does not keep believers closed in on themselves. Instead, the Word of God sends Christians out to share love, build unity, defend justice, and become witnesses of peace in society.

The celebration at Malabo Stadium also served as the concluding event of Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day Apostolic Journey to Africa. Vatican News described the Mass as the Pope’s farewell to Equatorial Guinea and to the African continent, with the Pope saying that Africa would enrich his life and ministry as Successor of Peter.

After the Mass, the Vatican Press Office reported that Pope Leo XIV left Malabo Stadium at 12:00 local time and transferred to Malabo International Airport for the farewell ceremony before returning to Rome.

 The images from Malabo Stadium captured a deeply moving scene: Pope Leo XIV standing before a vast crowd, the altar placed at the heart of the stadium, and thousands of faithful united in prayer. It was not only a religious ceremony, but a powerful sign of communion between the Vatican and the Church in Africa.

Pope Leo XIV’s message in Malabo was clear: the Gospel gives meaning to life, the Word of God brings light to suffering, and every Christian is called to become a witness of hope, justice, and peace.