Pope Leo XIV has called out corruption and urged Angolans to rebuild unity during a large open-air Mass near the capital, delivering one of his strongest messages yet during his ongoing African tour.
Addressing tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in Kilamba, on the outskirts of Luanda, the pontiff spoke candidly about Angola’s past and present struggles, pointing to division, inequality, and mismanagement of resources as major obstacles to progress.
“Today, there is a need to look to the future with hope and to build that hope. Do not be afraid to do so,” Leo said, drawing applause from the crowd.
The pope’s remarks centered on the lasting scars of Angola’s civil war, which ended in 2002 after decades of conflict. He described how the war contributed to enmity and division while also highlighting how corruption and poor governance have deepened poverty in the resource-rich nation.
Leo emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires both moral leadership and collective responsibility. His message echoed similar calls made earlier in his African tour, where he has repeatedly warned against the exploitation of natural resources and lack of accountability among leaders.
During a separate meeting with government officials, including President Joao Lourenco, the pope criticized the social and environmental consequences of unchecked resource extraction, describing them as sources of suffering and disaster.
Faith, justice and political tensions
The Angola visit marks the third stop in Leo’s four-nation African tour, following earlier visits to Algeria and Cameroon. His trip will conclude in Equatorial Guinea.
Throughout the 11-day journey, the first United States-born pope has taken bold positions on global issues, including criticism of war and international political rhetoric. His comments have drawn attention globally, particularly remarks interpreted as critical of United States foreign policy.
Despite recent tensions with political figures in Washington, Leo has maintained that his focus remains on promoting peace and justice. He said he has no intention of escalating disputes but will continue speaking out against violence and inequality.
Many attendees arrived hours before the Mass, reflecting the significance of the pope’s visit. Sister Christina Matende, who reached the venue at 6.00am (GMT), described the moment as deeply meaningful.
“We are living in a moment of a lot of difficulties, and we are waiting for the blessing of the pope,” she said.
Following the Kilamba Mass, Leo is expected to travel to Muxima, one of Angola’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The historic church there, overlooking a river once linked to the transatlantic slave trade, attracts millions of visitors annually.
He will later continue to Saurimo, where he is scheduled to visit a retirement home and celebrate another Mass before concluding his Angola visit.
Local leaders and observers say the pope’s focus on social justice resonates strongly in a country still grappling with inequality. Catholic lawyer Domingos das Neves noted that Angola needs moral direction to address its challenges.
“We must not forget the poor and the destitute,” he said, underscoring the broader message of the pope’s visit.
