Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to Angola marks a significant moment in the ongoing journey of reconciliation for a nation shaped by its tumultuous past. During this landmark tour of Africa, the pontiff encouraged Angolans to look forward with hope, emphasizing unity over division fueled by a history of conflict and corruption. His messages resonate deeply across the continent, where the desire for social justice and ethical governance is paramount.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed tens of thousands of faithful near Angola’s capital, urging the country to overcome “divisions” and “corruption” during a landmark tour of Africa. Speaking at an open-air Mass on Sunday in Kilamba, on the outskirts of Luanda, Leo reflected on the nation’s civil war-scarred past, which has resulted in “enmity and division, squandered resources, and poverty.” He stressed the importance of looking to the future with hope, saying, “There is a need to build that hope. Do not be afraid to do so.”
The pontiff arrived in the Portuguese-speaking nation on Saturday for the third leg of a four-nation tour, which began in Algeria and Cameroon and will also include a stop in Equatorial Guinea. In a meeting with Angolan officials, including President Joao Lourenco, Leo spoke out against the social and environmental “disasters” caused by the rampant exploitation of natural resources.
Leo’s remarks continued a theme of his 11-day tour, during which he has delivered pointed warnings against corruption and the misuse of the continent’s resources. As the first United States-born pope, Leo has also made comments viewed as critical of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran and has called President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran “unacceptable.” While Leo’s rhetoric has often put him at odds with Trump, the pope reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against war without intending to spark a new debate with the U.S. administration.
Many who attended the Mass at Kilamba expressed their anticipation and joy at the pope’s presence. Sister Christina Matende noted, “We are living in a moment of a lot of difficulties, and we are waiting for the blessing of the pope.” Following the Mass, Leo plans to travel 110 kilometers by helicopter to Muxima, Angola’s most venerated pilgrimage site, where an estimated two million pilgrims visit each year.
The church at Muxima, featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary known as “Mama Muxima,” is a testament to the resilience and faith of the Angolan people. There, large crowds are expected to welcome the pope. Following his visit to Muxima, Leo will travel more than 800 kilometers from the capital to celebrate another Mass at a retirement home in Saurimo before departing for Equatorial Guinea. Catholic lawyer Domingos das Neves noted that the pope’s emphasis on social justice is particularly significant for Angola, where stark social inequalities remain prevalent. He stated, “Angola is in great need of a guiding light to illuminate our collective efforts so that we do not forget the poor and the destitute.”
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