Pope Leo returns to Rome after Africa tour

Pope Leo is returning to Rome on April 23 after concluding a 10-day, four-nation tour of Africa, where he delivered some of his strongest remarks to date on global politics, condemning war, authoritarianism, and inequality.

The pontiff ended the nearly 18,000-kilometre tour with a final Mass in Equatorial Guinea. Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in a stadium, many arriving before dawn in heavy rain for a final chance to see him, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

In his homily, the pope reiterated a central theme of the trip, declaring that the Christian message means “every people is set free from the slavery of evil.” He also encouraged the faithful to live their beliefs with joy. The address marked his 25th speech during the tour.

Over the course of the visit, which also included stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola, Leo adopted an increasingly forceful tone. He warned that the whims of the world’s wealthiest individuals threaten global stability, denounced violations of international law by what he called “neocolonial” powers, and said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”

His remarks drew criticism from Donald Trump, who labeled the pope “terrible” on April 12, just before the tour began, and continued to criticise him during its first week. The comments appeared to be a response to the pope’s criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Speaking to Reuters on April 13, Leo said he would continue to speak out despite the backlash. He later clarified that his speeches had been prepared weeks in advance and were not aimed at any individual.

The pope departed Africa shortly after midday on April 23 and is expected to arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at around 8 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT). He is scheduled to hold a press conference aboard the return flight.

By Sabina Mammadli