West African oil state under reform doubt amid reshuffle
Pope Leo has embarked on a 10-day, 11-city tour across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, traveling nearly 18,000 km. The trip aims to draw global attention to Africa's religious and political issues, emphasizing Catholic-Muslim dialogue, peace, and resilience amid conflicts. This is the first visit to Algeria by a pope.
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Algeria for his first visit, emphasizing peace and interfaith dialogue. He is visiting Annaba, the historic home of Saint Augustine, and promoting Christian-Muslim coexistence amid regional tensions. The trip is part of an 11-day tour across four African nations, focusing on peace, migration, and resource issues.
The pope has begun a four-nation African tour, starting with Algeria, where he is promoting peace, religious coexistence, and commemorating martyrs from the civil war. His visit emphasizes dialogue between Muslims and Christians and addresses ongoing religious tensions.
Pope Leo XIV has been speaking out against war, injustice, and violence during his African tour, emphasizing hope and peace. He has criticized the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and reaffirmed his commitment to Christian unity, despite tensions with political leaders including President Trump.
The pope has completed an 11-day, four-nation trip across Africa, covering over 17,700 kilometers. His visit has been marked by warm welcomes, powerful moments, and a focus on peace and resource sovereignty. The trip has also played out against ongoing tensions with the Trump administration, which has criticized the pope's comments on war and foreign influence.
Pope Leo XIV has completed an 11-day African tour focusing on peace and justice, but his trip has been overshadowed by a public feud with US President Donald Trump. The pope has repeatedly condemned war and tyranny, including criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran, prompting Trump to attack him on social media. Leo insists his messages target global issues, not Trump personally, and vows to continue advocating for peace.
The pope has arrived in Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African tour, where he has denounced resource exploitation and social inequality. The visit occurs amid criticism of President Obiang's long-standing authoritarian rule and ongoing corruption, with the church's role intertwined with the government.
Pope Francis has died at 88 after a battle with double pneumonia and a stroke, prompting tributes from peers who highlight his mercy-driven reforms and his role in shaping the future leadership of the Church, including discussions around potential successors.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed a Mass for roughly 100,000 attendees in Mongomo and is visiting a Bata prison, urging Equatorial Guinea to pursue justice and bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged amid long-standing human rights concerns and economic inequality.
The United States has expanded deportations of third‑country nationals under deals with multiple countries, including Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. Rights groups warn of abuses as deportees face uncertain futures after removal from the U.S., with many lacking ties to the destination nations.
A coalition has filed a case at ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja challenging Ghana’s role in a US-backed third-country deportation scheme. The suit alleges violations of non-refoulement, citing detainee mistreatment and forced removals for 27 deportees; Ghana may disclose terms of the deal as part of the case.
Eswatini is temporarily hosting a fourth batch of third‑country nationals deported by the United States, with rights promised to be respected and safety measures in place. The group is expected to be housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison as part of a broader U.S. immigration crackdown that has drawn rights concerns and parliamentary scrutiny.