Following a three-day visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV received a warm welcome in Luanda, Angola. His arrival was marked by a large turnout and an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of President João Lourenço and his wife.
The pontiff was taken to the Presidential Palace where an official welcoming ceremony awaited him. Significant crowds had gathered to greet his arrival, demonstrating the importance of this visit to the Angolan Catholic community and the country as a whole.
During the ceremony, President Lourenço and Pope Leo XIV delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of relations between Angola and the Vatican. The Pope spoke about the themes of peace, reconciliation and social justice, values he also highlighted during his time in Cameroon.
This visit to Angola is the third leg of Pope Leo XIV's African tour. It comes amid significant socio-economic challenges for the country, but also hopes for development and the consolidation of peace after years of conflict. Angola, rich in natural resources, is seeking to diversify its economy and improve the living conditions of its population.
The Pope's program in Angola includes meetings with representatives of civil society, religious leaders and young people. He is also expected to celebrate an open-air mass, which is expected to bring together hundreds of thousands of worshipers. His presence is seen as a message of hope and support for the Angolan people.
