Farewell Ceremony from Equatorial Guinea, Departure from Malabo and Telegram to the President of Equatorial Guinea

Farewell Ceremony from Equatorial Guinea

After presiding over Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV left Malabo Stadium at 12.00 local time, and transferred to Malabo International Airport for the farewell ceremony from Equatorial Guinea.

The Pontiff was welcomed by the President of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and his wife, Constancia Mangue de Obiang.

After the national anthems, Honour to the Flags, the passage of the Guard of Honour and the greeting of the respective delegations, Pope Leo XIV boarded an ITA A330-900neo and departed at 12.54 local time bound for Rome.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at Fiumicino International Airport at approximately 19.18.

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Immediately after departure, Pope Leo XIV sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea:

Telegram of the Holy Father

His Excellency Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo

President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Ciudad de la Paz

As I leave Equatorial Guinea following my Apostolic Journey, please know that I am deeply grateful to Your Excellency, the local authorities and your fellow citizens for the generous welcome and warmth extended throughout my visit. I pray that Almighty God will bestow upon the country the blessings of unity and prosperity.

Leo PP. XIV