Malabo: As Pope Leo XIV visits Equatorial Guinea, a local Claretian priest has shared insights into how the Catholic Church in the country has changed over the past four decades, describing the moment as one of hope and renewal.
Father Inocencio Moisés, based in Malabo and serving as coordinator for the papal visit, said the presence of Pope is especially meaningful for a country that last received a papal visit in 1982. He recalled that many people today were children at the time of Pope John Paul II’s brief visit, making the current occasion a rare and important event.
He said the visit comes at a time when communities are facing various social challenges, and it offers a sense of unity and encouragement. According to him, many people have been waiting for this moment, not as a public event alone, but as an opportunity for spiritual and community renewal.
Reflecting on the past, Father Moisés explained that the Church in Equatorial Guinea has moved from being largely missionary-led to becoming more locally rooted. Today, most priests, religious members and bishops are from the country itself, showing what he described as the growing maturity of the local Church.
He also pointed to a rise in vocations among young men, with seminaries now full and expanding to meet demand. Many young clergy are actively working in distant and previously underserved areas, strengthening the Church’s outreach.
However, he noted that this growth is not seen equally among women. Fewer young women are joining religious life, and he suggested that limited access to higher education within some communities may be one of the reasons. He said this issue needs careful study and new approaches.
Father Moises added that the Church must find ways to communicate its message more effectively to younger generations while staying true to its mission. Adapting to changing times, he said, is important for continued growth.
He described Pope Leo XIV’s visit as a turning point that could strengthen faith, inspire new vocations and support the ongoing transformation of the Church in Equatorial Guinea.