A Bold Voice for Africa: Pope Leo XIV Condemns Colonialism of Minerals on Historic Visit
Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his sweeping four-nation African pilgrimage on Tuesday, April 21, with a pointed address in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea — using the final leg of his 11-day journey to deliver a sharp message against what he called the “colonization” of minerals and the “lust for power” gripping the continent.
The Pope’s four-nation tour — his first major overseas trip of the year — took him across Africa visiting 11 cities and towns. But it was in Equatorial Guinea that he chose to speak most directly about the exploitation of Africa’s vast natural wealth, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences across the continent.
Standing before civil leaders and crowds of faithful in Malabo, the Pope drew a direct line between historical colonialism and its modern equivalents, particularly the scramble for Africa’s critical minerals — cobalt, coltan, lithium, and gold — which underpin global technology supply chains.
“The colonization of minerals is real, and it continues in new forms,” the Pope declared. His language was unusually strong for a papal address, reflecting growing global criticism of how African nations remain locked out of the value chains of resources extracted from their own soil.
Beyond the minerals issue, Pope Leo XIV offered a stark warning about the broader state of the world. “Humanity’s future is at risk of being tragically compromised,” he said, blaming ongoing wars and a breakdown in international cooperation. He called on world leaders to recommit to dialogue, peacebuilding, and the dignity of every human being, regardless of nationality.
The visit to Equatorial Guinea was itself a diplomatic challenge. The country has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979, making it one of the world’s longest-serving governments. Human rights organizations have frequently criticized the state of democracy and civil liberties there. The Pope’s visit drew criticism from some quarters for seeming to legitimize an authoritarian government, but Vatican officials defended the trip as engagement rather than endorsement.
Still, by focusing his remarks on systemic issues — mineral exploitation, inequality, the “lust for power” — the Pope managed to deliver a challenging message without directly confronting his hosts.
Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States to parents of African descent, has repeatedly framed his pontificate as one with a special connection to the Global South. His African trip — the longest of his papacy so far — was widely seen as an effort to position the Catholic Church as an advocate for the world’s most marginalized peoples.
Across the continent, Catholic congregations are growing rapidly, making Africa the heartland of global Catholicism. The Pope’s visit reinforced that reality and signaled that Africa will remain central to the Vatican’s priorities.