Luanda (Fides News Agency) – Benguela and Ndalatando. Two of the projects for children supported by the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood (POSI) are located in these dioceses. Father José Diego Jerónimo Zola, Secretary of POSI in Angola, whose connection with the Pontifical Mission Societies dates back to his seminary days, describes to Fides the realities and desires that animate the widespread presence of the Holy Childhood throughout the country, in both large cities and small towns. This reveals the face of a Church, an ecclesial community, that finds comfort and encouragement in supporting and accompanying children and adolescents who frequently experience poverty, school dropout, and abuse.
The Society of Missionary Childhood (POSI) seeks to accompany children, adolescents, and their educators on their journey of faith, fostering missionary sensibility in them, supporting them in the spirit of solidarity with their peers, and promoting national gatherings to share the diverse realities of this vast country. These are some of POSI’s objectives, which are also pursued through projects aimed at protecting children in collaboration with the government and other institutions, as well as through the construction of schools.
In Benguela, last March, the foundation stone was laid for a school entrusted to the Sisters of Our Lady of La Salette (in the picture), intended to prevent children and adolescents from dropping out of school and who, otherwise, would not have the opportunity to access education and, therefore, to build their future. Father Zola shares the joy and gratitude for the many children he has seen grow up in schools also supported by POSI, many of whom are now doctors, teachers, or engineers, and who never forget their experience in Missionary Childhood. “What I love most,” he confesses to Fides News Agency, “is being with children, being among children, being for children, and also being like children,” hoping that the growing number of children and teenagers will contribute to the flourishing of an Angolan and missionary Church.
“The other project I want to mention,” Father José Diego Jerónimo continues, “is the one that has emerged in the recently built parish of Saint Teresa of Ávila in Ndalatando. Its objective is the construction of classrooms for catechesis, thus creating a dignified and welcoming space to transmit Christian education to children and teenagers.” Father Zola also recounts that many children and teenagers begin participating in the activities and catechesis of POSI without being baptized, thus beginning their journey in the faith of the Apostles, a process that leads them to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
“The Pope, who is visiting our country these days,” concludes the secretary of the Angolan POSI, “embraces and blesses our children and adolescents with his apostolic journey. We want to hear his words of peace, reconciliation, and social justice; we want to be ‘uplifted’ by his words of hope.” (EG) (Fides News Agency, 19/4/2026)
Malabo (Fides News Agency) – “It is always a joy to see places around the world where the Church is growing,” said Pope Leo XIV at a press conference on the flight from Luanda to Malabo in Equatorial Guinea, the last country on his first trip to Africa as Pope, where he was greeted with exuberant joy by numerous faithful from the moment of his arrival. In his first address at the Presidential Palace to representatives of the government, the diplomatic corps, and civil society, he declared that he was happy “to be here and to visit the beloved people of Equatorial Guinea.”
He was welcomed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who had also welcomed Pope John Paul II 44 years ago. He stands as a symbol for those political leaders and rulers who, in many African states, have secured their power for unusually long periods. Forty-four years ago, in his address to President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo—who had come to power through a coup against the dictatorial regime of his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema—Pope John Paul II described the city 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.” Pope Leo XIV echoed these words in his address, emphasizing: “These are words that remain timely and that challenge anyone entrusted with public responsibility,” and in his address he also recalled the criteria that guide Christians on the path of history and in dealing with world affairs.
The Pope repeatedly quoted Saint Augustine, who, in his work “De Civitate Dei,” interpreted events and history according to the model of two cities: the City of God, the eternal city, characterized by unconditional love for God (amor Dei), along with 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 Bishop of Rome stated, “the two cities coexist until the end of time.” And 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.” “Every human being,” Pope Leo XIV continued, “can benefit from the ancient realization of living on earth as a pilgrim.” And 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.”
For this reason, Pope Leo affirms, “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.”
With regard to Equatorial Guinea and other African countries, Leo XIV affirms that “exclusion is the new face of social injustice.” He recalls that Tthe gap between a ‘small minority’ — 1% of the population — and the overwhelming majority has widened dramatically. He emphasizes that “the rapid technological evolution we are witnessing has accelerated speculation” that 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 context, he quotes Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” about “such an economy kills.” He notes that the current “proliferation of armed conflict is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, occurring with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples.” And the new technologies themselves “appear to be conceived and utilized primarily for warlike purposes.”
But—the successor of Peter continued—“God does not want this.” And “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.” The concluding words of Pope Leo’s first address in Equatorial Guinea are encouraging: “Your country,” the Pope said, “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.” The Pope recalled that “in a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice” and that “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.” He concluded by emphasizing that “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.” “Let us, walk together, with wisdom and hope, towards the city of God, which is the city of peace,” the Bishop of Rome concluded. (GV) (Fides News Agency, 21/4/2026)
Malabo (Fides News Agency) – Yesterday, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Pope Leo XIV began the final leg of his apostolic journey to Africa with his arrival in Equatorial Guinea. “After 44 years, the Successor of Peter is among us, and we have welcomed him with great affection, as only Equatorial Guinea knows how. It was an encounter between ‘heaven and earth.” The Pope has given us his closeness, reminding us of the presence of Christ among us with his demanding and profound words, and with his embrace of children,” Sister Giusy Becchero, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), who works in the Archdiocese of Malabo, wrote to Fides. “The most beautiful moment was when he took the children in his arms and let them hug him… it made me think of the phrase ‘Blessed are the humble and the pure of heart,’” the FMA sister added.
“This trip evokes that of Saint John Paul II in 1982, who was received by the same President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Before him, in power for more than four decades, Leo XIV delivered a balanced yet significant speech at the Presidential Palace. Without adopting a confrontational tone, he invited the authorities to “place themselves at the service of law and justice,” emphasizing the importance of a sincere commitment to the common good.” “I know that you have undertaken the ambitious project of building a city that, for a few months now, has been the new capital of your country. You have chosen a name that seems to echo that of biblical Jerusalem: City of Peace.” “May this decision challenge each person’s conscience regarding which city they wish to serve!” the Pope said, addressing the president, the authorities, and the diplomatic corps. “It is worth remembering,” Sister Giusy noted, “that until a few days ago, the capital of Equatorial Guinea was Malabo; now there will be a new capital called the City of Peace.
The Holy Father spoke at length about the theme of peace, emphasizing that it is not something that is built like a city, but a reality that is born from within.”
Another highlight of the day was the visit to the “León XIV” campus of the National University, which was inaugurated in his name. “It is worth the effort to continue wagering on the formation of new generations and on the task, so demanding and yet so noble, of seeking the truth and putting knowledge at the service of the common good,” the Pope affirmed. A truth “that precedes us, calls us and transcends us,” and that “is not fabricated, not manipulated nor possessed like a trophy, but welcomed, sought with humility and served with responsibility.”
“Beyond official meetings,” Sister Giusy continues, “the Pope also made concrete gestures, faithful to the spirit of his pontificate.” “The visit to the Jean-Pierre Olié Psychiatric Hospital in Malabo was one of the most significant moments of the day. By visiting the patients and the healthcare staff, he highlighted an often-marginalized reality: that of vulnerable people, especially those suffering from mental disorders. This pastoral gesture reminds us that human dignity does not depend on social status or health condition, but is inherent in every person. Those in charge of the center interpreted the visit as a powerful signal and a call to pay greater attention to those who are often forgotten. In a Country where significant health and social challenges persist, the Pope’s presence provides an incentive to promote more inclusive and humane policies,” she added.
“This stop in Equatorial Guinea,” concludes the nun, “well sums up the spirit of Leo XIV’s journey to Africa: a delicate balance between prophetic words and diplomacy, coupled with a concrete closeness to the most vulnerable. In invoking law, justice, and solidarity, the Pope is addressing not only those in power, but all of society, called to be the protagonists of a more just and fraternal future.” (AP) (Fides News Agency, 22/4/2026)
