Pope Leo XIV addressed tens of thousands of faithful in Kilamba, Angola, on April 19, 2026, urging the nation to overcome divisions rooted in its civil war past and warning against corruption and resource exploitation.
The pope, the first American-born pontiff, celebrated Mass in the town on the outskirts of Luanda, delivering a homily that drew parallels between the disciples on the road to Emmaus and Angola’s struggle to find hope after decades of conflict. He emphasized that Jesus walks beside the suffering, offering grace to rebuild.
Speaking after meeting President João Lourenço and other officials, Leo condemned the social and environmental damage caused by unchecked extraction of natural resources, a recurring theme in his 11-day African tour that began in Algeria and Cameroon and will continue to Equatorial Guinea.
He also reiterated his criticism of U.S. Policy, calling former President Donald Trump’s threat to end Iran’s civilization “unacceptable,” a remark that has placed him at odds with Trump, who last week called the pope “weak” and “terrible for foreign policy.” Leo said he fears no confrontation but seeks no new debate with the U.S. Administration.
Thousands arrived hours before the Mass, some dancing in the parking lot near the airport, expressing joy at the pontiff’s presence. Josephine García, a Luanda resident, called him their “father in faith,” a symbol of peace and unity. Sister Christina Matende, who arrived at 6 a.m., said the visit brought hope amid widespread difficulties.
For more on this story, see Pope Leo XIV Condemns Trump’s Threats Against Iran as ‘Unacceptable’.
From Kilamba, the pope was scheduled to travel 110 kilometers by helicopter to Muxima, a village housing a 300-year-old church overlooking a river once used in the slave trade. The site, home to the statue of the Virgin Mary known as “Mama Muxima,” draws about two million pilgrims annually.
Leo’s message centered on healing: he urged Angolans not to fear the future, to build hope, and to trust in the Church’s teachings. He warned that prolonged suffering risks leaving people spiritually weary, like the disheartened disciples, but insisted that recognizing Christ’s presence can restore purpose.
The visit underscores the Vatican’s growing focus on Africa, where the Catholic Church is expanding rapidly, and highlights the pope’s willingness to engage politically sensitive issues, including resource governance and international conflicts, even as it risks friction with powerful governments.
This follows our earlier report, Hungarian Bishops Condemn Donald Trump’s Attacks on Pope Leo XIV.
Why did Pope Leo XIV criticize natural resource exploitation in Angola?
He cited the social and environmental damage caused by unchecked extraction, linking it to the suffering and poverty that followed Angola’s civil war, which ended in 2002.
How did Angolans respond to the pope’s visit?
Thousands attended the Mass in Kilamba, many arriving hours early. residents described the visit as a source of joy and hope amid ongoing hardships.
What is the significance of the pope’s criticism of U.S. Policy?
His remarks, including condemning threats against Iran, have put him at odds with former President Donald Trump, who called the pope weak and ineffective in foreign affairs.
What is the historical relevance of the Muxima site the pope planned to visit?
The 300-year-old church in Muxima overlooks a river that was once a major slave-trading route and remains a key pilgrimage destination, attracting roughly two million visitors each year.
