Pope Leo XIV's Call to Reject 'Resource Colonisation' and Embrace Justice

On the final day of his 11-day African tour, Pope Leo XIV delivered a stern rebuke against 'resource colonisation' from Malabo's presidential palace, linking the global fight for oil and essential minerals to ongoing armed conflicts. The American-born pontiff criticized the 'extractive logic' that commodifies human life.

In a pointed address to civil authorities and diplomats, Pope Leo XIV underscored the paradox of resource-rich nations caught in poverty and conflict cycles. He cautioned that technology's rapid evolution often intensifies raw material speculation, harming local communities and public health.

The Pope echoed earlier sentiments from Cameroon, condemning those who deplete land resources and reinvest profits in weaponry, fueling a cycle of instability. He highlighted that disputes increasingly revolve around oil and mineral exploitation, often defying international law and self-determination.

Amid growing US-China rivalry over Africa's critical minerals, Pope Leo XIV called for a 'decisive change of course,' urging leaders to prioritize the common good. His address also honored Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, reiterating Francis's warning against inequality-driven economies.

Throughout his African tour, which included stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola, the Pope consistently advocated for 'unarmed and disarming peace.' During meetings with long-standing leaders, he urged governance to bridge and not divide, warning against corruption's corrosive effects.

As Pope Leo XIV heads back to the Vatican, his speeches have highlighted friction between the Vatican and global powers over war ethics and environmental costs of energy transition. Several geopolitical events this year, particularly concerning mineral wealth, underscore the Pope's themes.

Pope Leo XIV expressed concerns about technological advances failing to create widespread opportunities, risking human destiny without political responsibility and respect for international agreements.

Emphasizing the ethical dimension, he insisted religion must not justify violence, saying, 'God's name must not be profaned.' He concluded with a call for an 'educational pact' to inspire Africa's youth towards just, counter-current politics.