On April 22, 2026, Pope Leo XIV met with young people and families at Bata Stadium in Equatorial Guinea, during the final days of his Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The official Vatican schedule listed the gathering at 6:10 p.m. local time, following the Pope’s visit to Bata Prison earlier that afternoon.

The event brought together a large crowd of families, students, young Catholics, local communities, clergy, and faithful who gathered in the stadium to welcome the Pope with joy, music, prayer, and visible emotion. Despite the intense schedule of the day, Pope Leo XIV’s meeting in Bata became one of the most energetic and hopeful moments of his visit to Equatorial Guinea.

 Addressing the crowd, Pope Leo XIV began with a message of peace: “Dear young people, dear families, peace be with you!” His words immediately set the tone for the encounter — a message of encouragement, unity, and spiritual closeness to the younger generation and to families carrying the responsibilities of daily life.

The Pope reminded young people that they are not simply the future of society, but an essential part of the Church and the world today. He encouraged them to use their gifts, dreams, education, faith, and energy to build a society rooted in truth, service, justice, and love. His message invited them not to be discouraged by difficulties, poverty, uncertainty, or social challenges, but to remain courageous and open to God’s call.

 Pope Leo XIV also spoke directly to families, recognizing them as the first place where faith, love, responsibility, forgiveness, and hope are learned. He encouraged parents, children, and grandparents to protect family unity, support one another in times of hardship, and keep prayer at the center of the home. In his vision, the family is not only a private space, but a living school of peace that can transform society from within.

The gathering in Bata also reflected the wider themes of Pope Leo XIV’s African journey: human dignity, social justice, peace, care for the vulnerable, and the power of faith to renew wounded communities. Earlier that same day, the Pope visited Bata Prison, where he told inmates they were not alone and emphasized that justice must respect the dignity and potential of every person.

 The images from Bata Stadium captured a deeply moving scene: young people singing, families standing together, flags waving, and thousands of faithful gathered around the Pope’s message of hope. For many present, the encounter was not only a public event, but a spiritual encouragement to keep believing, keep loving, and keep building a better future.

Pope Leo XIV’s message in Bata was clear: young people must not lose hope, families must remain strong in love, and society can be renewed when faith becomes action. From Equatorial Guinea, he called a new generation to become witnesses of peace, responsibility, compassion, and joy.