The pastoral visit to Africa, which began on April 13 and also stopped in Algeria and Cameroon, has been marked by an assertive tone from the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV left Angola at 09:19, heading for Malabo, the final stage of his African journey, after another farewell from crowds, marked by exuberant greetings and demonstrations of faith.
Before arriving at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, the Pope appeared at the window of the Apostolic Nunciature, where he stayed during the visit, and held private meetings this morning with public figures and clergy, waving one last time to the faithful.
Outside, hundreds of people filled the street in search of a final blessing, which was still granted to two babies and a woman.
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Leo XIV left around 08:35, moving slowly toward the airport along a route lined by a human chain of the faithful, protected by thousands of scouts, amidst enthusiastic shouts and greetings demonstrating the affection with which the Pope was received in Angola.
From the early morning hours, thousands of Catholics gathered for a final goodbye at the airport, where Angolan President João Lourenço was also present, accompanied by First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço, for the farewell with State honors.
The massive presence of women also stood out at the airport, as it did throughout the papal visit, in a festive atmosphere marked by the colorful outfits and scarves characteristic of the Angolan “mamas.”
During his time in Angola, the Pope did not address women specifically, but focused his messages on young people, encouraging them to build a better world, urging them to listen to their elders and not to give in to fear.
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He also criticized the extractive logic and corruption, warned against social injustice and superstition, and defended dialogue, peace, and reconciliation.
Leo XIV arrived in Angola on Saturday, having been received by the head of state at the Presidential Palace, and participated in a meeting with members of the executive, diplomatic corps, party and religious leaders, and representatives of civil society.
The first contacts with the population took place on Sunday in Kilamba, on the outskirts of Luanda, where he celebrated mass before heading to the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Muxima, one of the main Catholic pilgrimage centers in Africa, dedicated to Marian worship and whose name means “heart” in Kimbundu.
Leo XIV also traveled to Saurimo, in Lunda Sul province, becoming the first Pope to visit eastern Angola, then returning to Luanda for a meeting with the bishops.
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After three days in Angola, the Pope is now heading to Equatorial Guinea, where he is expected to address topics such as political pluralism and civic freedoms. Arrival in Malabo is expected late in the morning (local time).
In this final stage, Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of John Paul II, who visited the country 44 years ago. Equatorial Guinea, with about two million inhabitants, mostly Catholic, has been governed since 1979 by Teodoro Obiang Nguema, one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.
Despite oil revenues, a large part of the population lives in poverty, and the country has been the target of international criticism for corruption and restrictions on civil liberties.
The pastoral visit to Africa, which began on April 13 and also stopped in Algeria and Cameroon, has been marked by an assertive tone from the Pope, with insistent appeals for social justice, the fight against corruption, and respect for human rights.
The program ends on Thursday with a mass at the Malabo stadium, at the end of a trip of about 18,000 kilometers across the African continent.
