Pope Leo XIV has called on Angola’s leaders to break away from centuries of resource exploitation and build a more just and hopeful future, as he continued his multi-nation African tour. During his visit to Angola, the third stop of a four-country trip, the pope criticized “extractivism,” a system he said has long fueled suffering, inequality, and environmental damage across Africa. Speaking after meeting President João Lourenço in Luanda, Leo highlighted the country’s history of colonial exploitation and civil war, urging leaders to prioritize people over profits.
Angola, a former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1975, endured a devastating 27-year civil war that killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Despite being Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer and a major global supplier of diamonds and critical minerals, wealth remains unevenly distributed. According to the World Bank, over 30% of Angolans still live in extreme poverty. “You possess treasures that cannot be bought or stolen,” the pope told officials, praising the resilience of the Angolan people while warning against continued economic practices that benefit elites over citizens.
On Sunday, Leo reinforced his message while celebrating Mass before an estimated 100,000 worshippers in Kilamba, near Luanda. He described Angola as a “beautiful yet wounded country” in need of peace, unity, and opportunity. He also called on citizens and leaders alike to combat corruption and “build hope for the future.” The pontiff’s visit comes at a difficult time for the country, with recent floods in Benguela province killing nearly 50 people since early April. Leo expressed solidarity with victims and emphasized the need for stronger social support systems.
Opposition leader Adalberto Costa Júnior welcomed the pope’s remarks, describing them as a “powerful message” addressing Angola’s social, political, and economic challenges, including inequality and governance issues. Later in the day, Leo was expected to visit the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima, a key pilgrimage site, to pray for national healing. Speaking en route from Cameroon, Leo also downplayed ongoing tensions with Donald Trump over global issues, saying his mission remains focused on promoting peace, justice, and human dignity rather than political debate.
