Pope Leo urges Angolans to build hope in a massive congregation

Pope Leo XIV Visits Angola, Calls for Unity and Social Justice

Pope Leo XIV has addressed tens of thousands of faithful in Angola’s capital city, urging the country to move beyond its war-scarred past and work towards a brighter future. The Pope spoke at an open-air Mass on Sunday in the town of Kilamba, near Luanda, during his third leg of a four-nation tour of Africa.

The Pontiff addressed the country’s civil war, which lasted for decades, saying it had led to “enmity and division” as well as poverty. He emphasized the need for Angolans to look towards the future with hope and to build that hope. The Pope also spoke out against the exploitation of natural resources, citing social and environmental disasters caused by such practices.

At a meeting with Angolan officials, including President Joao Lourenco, the Pope discussed the importance of addressing corruption and promoting social justice. He has been critical of US policy, including its stance on Iran and its threat to end Iranian civilization, which he deemed “unacceptable”.

The Pope’s visit comes as Angola struggles with stark social asymmetries and inequalities. A Catholic lawyer, Domingos das Neves, welcomed the Pope’s focus on social justice, stating that it is needed in Angola to guide collective efforts towards improving the lives of the poor and destitute.

Following his Mass in Kilamba, the Pope will travel to Muxima, a town known for its 300-year-old church and pilgrimage site, where he will celebrate another Mass before continuing on to Equatorial Guinea.

Source: Al Jazeera