Pope Leo XIV touched down in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday, continuing his 11-day tour of Africa after visits to Cameroon. The pontiff, the third to visit Angola following John Paul II in 1992 and Benedict XVI in 2009, was greeted by thousands of faithful at the airport. His agenda includes meetings with President João Lourenço and a speech expected to tackle the country's persistent corruption and economic inequality.
Avoiding Trump, Focusing on Gospel
During the flight to Luanda, Pope Leo XIV told journalists that it was “not in my interest at all” to engage in a debate with US President Donald Trump over the US-Israeli war in Iran. The American-born pope clarified that his remarks are not directed at Trump personally but reflect the broader Gospel message of peace. This comes after Trump criticized the pope earlier in the trip, but Leo XIV has consistently avoided direct confrontation.
The pope's visit to Angola is part of a broader effort to address the continent's challenges, including conflict and exploitation. In a region where the transatlantic alliance is under strain, his message of peace resonates deeply.
Muxima: From Slave Port to Pilgrimage Site
On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV will travel by helicopter to the village of Muxima, about 130 kilometres south-east of Luanda. There, a 16th-century church built by Portuguese colonizers has become one of Africa's most important Marian pilgrimage sites. However, its history is dark: five centuries ago, it served as a key point in the transatlantic slave trade, where enslaved people were baptized before being shipped to the Americas.
A new basilica is under construction in Muxima, part of a multi-million-dollar government project to transform the site into a major tourist destination. “It is a historic moment of grace, a moment of deep emotion, with tears in our eyes and gratitude in our hearts,” said Father Mpindi Lubanzadio Alberto, rector of the shrine, speaking to ACI Africa. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to gather to see the pope.
Addressing Angola's Paradox
Angola is Africa's fourth-largest oil producer and ranks among the world's top 20, according to the International Energy Agency. It is also the world's third-largest diamond producer and holds significant deposits of gold and rare earths. Yet despite this wealth, the World Bank estimated in 2023 that more than 30% of the population lives on less than €1.83 a day. The country of 38 million people, 44% of whom are Catholic, emerged from a devastating 27-year civil war in 2002 that killed over half a million people.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to address corruption and exploitation directly, calling for a fairer distribution of resources. His message will particularly target young people, offering hope and healing, according to the Vatican. The pope's visit comes as Europe grapples with its own social challenges, such as the housing crisis that tests social stability across the continent.
A Broader African Context
The pope's Africa tour highlights the continent's complex relationship with Europe, from colonial legacies to modern economic ties. Angola's reliance on fossil fuels mirrors debates in Europe about energy transition, while its rare earth deposits are critical for technology supply chains. The pope's call for peace and justice echoes in a region where conflicts and inequality persist, and where the European Union's internal debates often overshadow global responsibilities.
As Pope Leo XIV continues his journey, his focus remains on the Gospel's core message, urging leaders to prioritize the common good over personal or national interests.
