Pope Leo XIV visited Saurimo, Eastern Angola, today, delivering a powerful message against systemic injustice and superstitious religious practices. He warned that when injustice corrupts hearts, the resources meant for all become the property of a select few.
Addressing thousands at an open-air mass, the Pontiff cautioned against pursuing God for personal gain or treating faith like a lucky charm. He emphasized that Christ calls for true freedom and brotherhood rather than transactional, insincere relationships.
The Catholic Church in Angola has expressed growing concern over the rise of superstition in the east. While the region is rich in natural resources, specifically diamonds, it remains plagued by high rates of unemployment and illiteracy.
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This visit marked a historic milestone, as Leo XIV became the first Pope to travel to Eastern Angola. Neither John Paul II in 1992 nor Benedict XVI in 2009 ventured into this region, where the influence of Catholicism has historically been lower.
During his trip, the Pope visited an elderly care home and received a traditional “Pensador” statue. Thousands braved the heat to greet him as he toured the mass venue in his popemobile before his scheduled departure to Luanda.
Leo XIV will conclude his time in Angola with an address to bishops and religious leaders. His African pastoral tour, which began in Algeria and included Cameroon, will end on Tuesday with his departure for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
