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Hello, I'm Maggie Murray of OSV News, and this is your OSV Newscast for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026. Let's catch you up on the Catholic News of the Day. Here we go. In Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong message about responsibility and the common good during Mass today at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo. Speaking in Spanish, in Central Africa's largest Catholic Church, the second largest in the African continent, the Pope told the faithful that the future of Equatorial Guinea depends on your choices. He urged both leaders and citizens of the oil-rich nation to use their natural wealth for the benefit of all, emphasizing human dignity and freedom. May there be greater room for freedom, and may the dignity of the human person always be safeguarded, he said. Thousands gathered for the Mass, with many filling the square outside the basilica, celebrating with fireworks and a large rosary made of balloons released into the sky. The liturgy marked the final full day of public events in Pope Leo's apostolic journey before his return to Rome April 23rd, closing a trip that has emphasized faith, unity, and responsibility across the African continent. As Pope Leo XIV wraps up his first trip to Africa, missionaries on the ground say the visit was not about politics, but about presence. Speaking from Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, the Pope's message consistently centered on fraternity, peace, healing, and hope rooted in Christ. The Pope himself pushed back on media narratives, saying the journey focused on pastoral care rather than political engagement. Missionaries said that the message was clear at each stop, from Algeria's small Christian community living in coexistence with Muslims to conflict-stricken Cameroon, where the Pope's presence signaled solidarity with suffering people. In Angola, his calls for justice and human dignity echoed in a nation still recovering from war. Even in remote areas of Equatorial Guinea, where access to people events was limited, missionaries said the Pope's message resonated. For many, the visit reaffirmed that the church's pastor walks with them, understands their struggles, and encourages hope rooted in faith. In Washington, President Donald Trump participated in a national Bible reading event, delivering a pre-recorded message from the Oval Office as part of America Reads the Bible. In his remarks, Trump read from 2 Chronicles using a Protestant translation as the week-long event aimed to read the entire Bible aloud ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The appearance came amid ongoing controversy surrounding the president's actions, including a now deleted AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as Jesus. It also followed his public criticism of Pope Leo XIV, whom he called weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy, amid disagreements over the Iran War. The Bible reading event, held at the Museum of the Bible and organized by Protestant affiliated group Christians Engaged, unfolded as those controversies continue to draw attention, highlighting tensions between political rhetoric, religious imagery, and ongoing global conflict. The court said the requirement does not establish a religion, noting it does not mandate religious instruction or observance. Supporters argue the Ten Commandments have historical and cultural significance, while critics say the display blurs the lines between church and state. Some opponents also point out that different Christian traditions, including Catholic and Protestant communities, use different versions of the Ten Commandments, raising concerns about favoring one interpretation over another. The dissenting judges warned the law could create subtle pressure on students to engage in religious practice. The law, named SB 10, requires the version of the Ten Commandments typically used by Protestants. The display is to be at least 16 to 20 inches and located in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school. Legal scholars told OSV News the case is likely to eventually reach the Supreme Court. A new national survey from Marquette Law School finds most Americans do not believe there were sufficient reasons for the U.S. to engage in combat operations in Iran. The poll, conducted April 8th through 16th, shows 63% of respondents say the war was not justified, while 36% say it was. The findings come amid heightened tensions and public disagreement, including Pope Leo XIV's statements calling threats against Iran truly unacceptable. The survey also found that 68% of Americans disapprove of how President Trump handled the war, while only 32% approve. Views vary sharply by political affiliation, with 71% of Republicans saying there was sufficient reason for the conflict, while 94% of Democrats and 75% of independents disagreed. Despite those divisions, the poll showed bipartisan support for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire that went into effect April 7th. 82% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats, and 67% of Independents said they approve of the ceasefire. There was also bipartisan consensus that the U.S. has failed to achieve its goals with the Iran War. A view shared by 64% of Republicans, 94% of Democrats, and 78% of independents. And that's your OSV Newscast for today. I'm Maggie Murray of OSV News. Check out the show notes for direct links to the stories in this episode. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast, follow us on social media, and bookmark osvnews.com. Thanks so much for listening and God bless. This has been an OSV News production. To learn more, visit OSVnews.com.