Pope Leo XIV completed a historic apostolic journey to Africa, with a major leg of the trip focused on Angola. His visit was defined by a shift from a previously reserved style to a “tougher tone” regarding social justice, exploitation, and the dignity of the marginalised.
The visit took place from April 13 to 23, 2026, as part of a four-nation tour (Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea). In Angola, the Pope focused on the contrast between the country’s immense natural wealth and the poverty of its people.
He visited the capital, Luanda, the diamond-rich region of Saurimo, and the historic shrine of Muxima.
He addressed the “exploitation” of resources, the “scourge of corruption,” and the need for a “culture of justice.”
He made a point to visit a nursing home in Saurimo to emphasise care for the elderly and visited the Kilamba district to celebrate Mass with hundreds of thousands of faithful.
On-the-ground coverage of Pope Leo XIV’s emotional visit to a nursing home in Saurimo,
What he said on the trip
On Social Injustice & Exploitation (Saurimo):
“We can see today how the hope of many people is frustrated by violence, exploited by the powerful and defrauded by the rich. Consequently, when injustice corrupts hearts, the bread of all becomes the possession of a few.”
On the Role of Faith (Kilamba Mass):
“Christ is not a guru or a good luck charm… Christ calls us to freedom: he does not want servants or clients, rather he seeks brothers and sisters to whom he can totally dedicate himself.”
On Corruption and the Future:
“It is possible to build together a country where old divisions are overcome once and for all, where hatred and violence disappear, and where the scourge of corruption is healed by a new culture of justice and sharing.”
On Vulnerable Populations:
“We must care for the elderly… that the hungry may have enough to eat, that the sick may receive the necessary care… and that the elderly may live their later years in peace.”
Significance of the Visit
The trip was widely seen as a defining moment for Leo XIV’s papacy. By visiting Saurimo—the heart of the diamond industry—he directly confronted the economic disparities of the region, urging the Church and the government to ensure that “the gift of God becomes the responsibility of the head of the household” for the benefit of all citizens, not just a wealthy elite.
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