Pope Leo visits Pope Francis Technology School in Equatorial Guinea

Vatican, April 23, 2026: A day after marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ passing, Pope Leo XIV paid a brief visit to an educational institution in Mongomo named in honour of the late pontiff, which focuses on equipping young people in Equatorial Guinea with technological skills and training.

Pope Leo XIV visited the Pope Francis Technology School in the eastern city of Mongomo on Wednesday, the Pope’s final full day in Equatorial Guinea.

The visit to the institution dedicated to his predecessor took place one day after the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death.

The previous day, Pope Leo recalled Pope Francis in a message sent to the Mass celebrated in his memory at the Marian Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, describing the late Pope as "a devoted shepherd who touched so many hearts" and noting that he "remained a disciple of the Lord, faithful to his Baptism and to his consecration in episcopal ministry, until the end."

The Holy Father acknowledged that Pope Francis had served as Successor of Peter and Pastor of the universal Church "at a time that has marked—and continues to mark—a change of era, a change of which he was fully aware, offering all of us a courageous witness that represents a significant patrimony for the Church."

He also encouraged journalists travelling with him on the papal flight to join in thanking the Lord for the great gift of Francis’ life to the Church and the world.

The Pope Francis Technology School is an educational institution that promotes technological and vocational training, particularly for young people.

Before this visit, Pope Leo had celebrated Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the same city. Later in the day, he is scheduled to meet prisoners and young people.

On Thursday, after celebrating his final Mass in Equatorial Guinea, the Holy Father will conclude his 11-day, four-nation Apostolic Journey to Africa and return to Rome.

Courtesy: Vatican News