Pope Leo XIV Finishes His 11-Day Trip to Four African Countries
Introduction
Pope Leo XIV came back to Rome on Thursday, April 23. He finished an 11-day trip to four countries in Africa. He visited Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. It was his first trip to Africa as pope. He traveled about 18,000 kilometers. He gave many speeches about peace, fairness, and how countries should be run.
Main Body
The trip started in Algeria. Algeria has many Muslims. The pope visited a big mosque. He asked for respect between Christians and Muslims. In Cameroon, he had a church service. He talked about a fight in some parts of the country. The fighting groups stopped fighting for a short time. The pope said bad things about leaders. These leaders start wars. People clapped. A local expert said the pope told the government to respect people''s rights. Another person said the pope talked about the important role of women and people in society. In Angola, the pope prayed at a place. It was once a center for the slave trade. He said Angola might get a new church leader, but not soon. In Equatorial Guinea, he visited a hospital for people with mental problems. He did something different from the plan. He talked to each patient. He also visited a prison. About 600 prisoners came together in a new painted yard. They wore new uniforms and had shaved heads. The pope said every person has value. He said justice must protect people. After he left, the prisoners shouted ''Libertad'' (freedom). A US report said the prisons had bad treatment, too many people, and dirty conditions. During a church service, the pope asked for more freedom. He said there is a big gap between a small rich group and most people. The president of Equatorial Guinea was there. He has been the leader since 1979. Many people say he does bad things to people. Before the trip, US President Donald Trump said bad things about the pope. He said the pope was too soft on crime. Vice President JD Vance also said something. He told the pope to be careful when talking about God. The pope said he was not afraid. He said he only talks about peace. Later, the pope said the news made the problem bigger. Then the problem stopped. The pope also said bad things about foreign countries taking Africa''s resources. He called it ''colonization''. Some experts gave their ideas. One expert said the pope wanted to make the Catholic Church stronger in Africa. He said the pope''s messages were like the last pope''s messages. He said the pope is a political pope. He speaks against unfairness. This is just one person''s idea.
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV ended his first trip to Africa with a big church service in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Many people came in heavy rain. During the trip, he visited people, talked with other religions, and criticized unfairness in politics and money. He also had a public disagreement with the US government. We do not know yet if his words will change things in these countries.