Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday urged Equatorial Guinea to place itself "in the service of law and justice", on the first day of his visit to the country.

The pope arrived in Equatorial Guinea for the fourth and final stage of his 11-day tour of the continent.

In Malabo, Equatorial Guinea's capital, he was welcomed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

At the presidential palace, the pope called on authorities in the country to "evaluate its own paths of development and the positive opportunities of positioning itself on the international stage in the service of law and justice."

Gap between the rich and the poor

"It is even more evident today than in years past that the proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, occurring with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples," he said in a speech.

Hydrocarbon production accounts for 46.1% of GDP and more than 90% of exports in Equatorial Guinea, the African Development Bank said in 2024.

Pope Leo voiced regret that "the gap between a 'small minority' – 1 percent of the population – and the overwhelming majority has widened dramatically."

In the audience was Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, known as Teodorin, who is the president's son and also vice-president.

Follows in footsteps of John Paul II

Pope Leo was following in the footsteps of John Paul II 44 years ago, who was the first pope to set foot in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, 80% of whose two million people are Catholic.

During his flight to Malabo from Angola, Leo paid tribute to Pope Francis, a year to the day since his death.

"He lived as close as possible to the poorest, the most vulnerable, the sick, children, and the elderly," he told reporters.

Pope Leo is due to take three flights on Wednesday, and travel to Mongomo, President Obiang's native stronghold, then to Bata, the economic capital.