Pope Leo XIV arrived in Luanda, Angola, on April 18, as part of his four-nation tour of Africa. His visit has been marked by a shift toward more forceful language regarding social justice and global politics.
Condemnation of “Extractivism”
In his speech to President João Lourenço and government officials, the Pope delivered a sharp critique of how Angola’s natural resources (specifically oil and diamonds) have been managed. He condemned the “logic of extractivism,” noting that it often causes “social and environmental disasters” and treats life itself as a mere commodity.
Pope Leo urged leaders to break the “cycle of interests” where elites profit while a significant portion of the population remains in poverty.
Warning to “Despots and Tyrants”
Continuing a theme from his earlier stop in Cameroon, Leo XIV spoke out against authoritarianism.
He warned that “despots and tyrants of both body and spirit” seek to make people passive and “docile to power.” The pope explicitly encouraged the Angolan government to “not be afraid of dissent” and to listen to the dreams of the youth rather than suppressing them.
Message of “Political Joy”
Despite the country’s history of civil war and current economic struggles, the Pope praised the resilience of the Angolan people. He described the joy of the African people as a “political virtue” because it fuels the desire for social transformation and prevents people from falling into inertia or fear.
He called for a shift toward “integral human development” that prioritises the common good over partisan interests.
Historical Significance
Leo XIV is the first North American-born Pope. His visit to the Muxima shrine is particularly symbolic, as the site was a former hub for the slave trade—a history that resonates with the Pope’s own family lineage, which includes both enslaved people and slaveholders.
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