Pope Leo XIV concluded his Apostolic Journey to Equatorial Guinea and four African countries with a brief farewell address in Malabo on Wednesday, marking the end of an 11-day visit to the continent.
Addressing the faithful at the end of Mass at Malabo Stadium, the Pope noted that "the time has come" to depart, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the journey.
He thanked the Archbishop, the bishops, the clergy, and the wider community, describing them as "the people of God journeying in this land," where the Gospel has been present for 170 years. "Christ", he said, is "the Light of Equatorial Guinea, and you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world".
The Holy Father extended his appreciation to the country’s civil authorities and all those who contributed to the organization and success of the visit.
Reflecting on his time in Africa, Pope Leo XIV said he leaves with "an immeasurable treasure of faith, hope, and charity," shaped by the encounters, testimonies, and experiences he gathered throughout the visit.
"This treasure consists of stories, faces, and testimonies, both joyful and sorrowful, which will greatly enrich my life and ministry as the Successor of Peter," he said.
Pope Leo went on to highlight Africa’s role in the life of the Church, saying the continent is called, as in the early centuries of Christianity, to contribute to the holiness and missionary character of the faithful.
He concluded by entrusting the people of Equatorial Guinea and all of Africa to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, invoking her care for families, communities, and nations across the continent.