Malabo Catholic Archbishop Takes Health Leave, Pope Leo XIV Appoints Apostolic Administrator for Equatorial Guinean See

Speaking during the August 21 press conference, Bishop Nguema urged Catholics to approach the Archbishop Nsue’s leave with truth, prudence and communion and to reject speculation surrounding it.

He expressed gratitude to the Holy See for entrusting him with the temporary responsibility of serving as Apostolic Administrator of Malabo. He also thanked Archbishop Nsue for the “trust, brotherly spirit, and openness” with which he received the decision.

Bishop Nguema rejected claims circulating on social media that Pope Leo XIV had forced Archbishop Nsue to leave Malabo.

“That is not true. It was the Archbishop himself who requested a period of rest. This ministry is demanding,” said the Local Ordinary of Bata since May 2026.

He expressed confidence that Archbishop Nsue would return after recovering and completing his medical process.

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The Equatorial Guinean member of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) urged the people of God not to believe or circulate unverified reports.

“For this reason, dear brothers and sisters, let us not believe or spread unfounded comments,” he said.

Bishop Nguema acknowledged that social media could be useful but cautioned against treating it as the primary source for interpreting Church decisions or individuals’ personal circumstances.

“When we do not have all the facts surrounding a situation, the most Christian response is to exercise prudence and refrain from passing judgment,” the Catholic Bishop said.

Calling for collaboration as he begins his mission in Malabo, Bishop Nguema said, “I want you to know me simply as a father, a brother, a companion on the journey. I come to walk with you, to listen, to accompany, to encourage, and to the best of my ability, to help the pastoral life of this archdiocese to continue forward.”

Born on 13 July 1969 in Bata, Bishop Nguema joined the SDB in 1992 and made his perpetual profession in July 1998. He was ordained a Priest in July 2000.

Before his episcopal appointment, he served in various pastoral and administrative roles, including responsibilities in Salesian communities in Congo and Cameroon. He also studied at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome.

Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Ebebiyin on 1 April 2017. He received episcopal consecration on 20 May 2017, during a celebration presided over by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Bishop Nguema has also served as Vice President of the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea (CEGE).