Pope Leo XIV continues marathon African tour with visit to Angola

Saturday 18 April 2026 - 14:30

Pope Leo XIV has continued his extensive African tour with a key stop in Angola, marking the third stage of a multi-day apostolic journey across the continent. The visit comes after a high-profile stay in Cameroon, where large crowds gathered to attend public events and religious ceremonies.

In the capital Luanda, the pope is expected to meet political authorities and address key social and economic challenges facing the country. Angola, despite its significant oil resources, continues to struggle with poverty affecting a large portion of its population.

During his previous stop in Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV drew hundreds of thousands of faithful to an open-air mass in Yaoundé. In his address, he called for courage in reforming social structures and encouraged citizens to work toward greater justice and solidarity.

Throughout the tour, the pope has emphasized themes such as inequality, youth opportunities, and ethical concerns related to emerging technologies. He warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence in ways that could fuel conflict and instability, while also urging young people to invest in their home countries rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

Angola represents a significant stage of the visit, not only because of its large Catholic population but also due to its historical and economic context. The country emerged from decades of civil war in the early 2000s and has since focused on rebuilding infrastructure and diversifying its economy.

The pope’s presence is expected to attract large gatherings, including a major outdoor mass and visits to religious sites such as Muxima, an important pilgrimage destination in the region. His itinerary also includes travel to other parts of the country, reflecting a desire to connect with communities beyond the capital.

This African tour highlights the Vatican’s ongoing engagement with the continent, addressing both spiritual and social issues. It also underscores the growing importance of Africa within the global Catholic community.