Bata, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV concluded his four-nation Africa tour with a poignant visit to Bata Prison, where he delivered a resounding call for justice reform and the protection of human dignity. During his address to the 600 inmates, including around 30 women, the pontiff emphasized the necessity of the justice system to uphold the dignity of every individual. “.
The administration of justice aims to protect society, “he stated, “but to be effective, it must always promote the dignity of every person.”.
The Pope’s visit coincided with the release of a 2023 report by the US Department of State that detailed cases of torture, extreme overcrowding, and deplorable conditions within Equatorial Guinea’s prisons. His remarks underscored the need for rehabilitation over punishment, suggesting that true justice seeks to rebuild lives rather than merely to punish. Pope Leo XIV’s advocacy for prison reform and human rights in Equatorial Guinea has drawn international attention to the country’s governance issues.
As the longest — serving head of state in Africa, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been a subject of criticism for rights abuses.
The Pope’s message of hope and dignity for inmates and his call for reform may serve as a catalyst for change within the country’s penal system.
*Additional reporting by ImNews*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: AFP, AP and Reuters
