Karol Darmoros
The Holy Father recalled that Christ “does not want servants or clients, but seeks brothers and sisters,” and that the future of the country can be born from reconciliation, justice, and faithfulness to Christian roots.
Pilgrim of Hope
Leo XIV arrived in Angola on April 18. Already at the beginning of his visit, he strongly advocated for the dignity of Africa. “Too often, your regions have been and continue to be looked upon to give something or, more often, to take something,” the Pope told the Angolan authorities. He also appealed to “break this chain of interests that reduces reality and life itself to an exchangeable commodity.”
Angola Has Treasures
The Pope pointed out that Angola’s true wealth does not succumb to market logic. “Your nation possesses treasures that cannot be sold or plundered,” he said, emphasizing the value of hope, solidarity, and joy that does not fade despite suffering. He encouraged them to jointly make this country a “project of hope.”
Look Beyond the Pain
During the Holy Mass in Kilamba, Leo XIV recalled the experience of the disciples of Emmaus, seeing in it a reflection of Angola’s history, marked by war, divisions, and poverty. He warned that one could succumb to “the loss of hope and paralyzing discouragement,” but also reminded that Jesus “helps them put together the fragments of this history, to look beyond the pain, to discover that they are not alone on this journey and that a future awaits them in which the God of love is still present.”
Faith Without Superstition
The Holy Father urged Angolans to remain faithful to Christ, present “especially in the Word and in the Eucharist.” He warned against mixing faith with magical and superstitious elements. In Saurimo, the Pope also cautioned against the distortion of religion by self-interest: “authentic faith is replaced by superstitious bartering” when one seeks not the Savior, but one’s own gain.
Peace and Witness
In subsequent stages of his visit, the Pope combined teaching with concrete gestures of closeness. In Saurimo, he visited a nursing home for the elderly, reminding that they require not only care, but “above all, listening, because they guard the wisdom of the nation.” There, at the end of the Holy Mass, he called out: “Angola, remain faithful to your Christian roots!”
Meanwhile, during a meeting with the clergy in Luanda, Leo XIV appealed for unity and authenticity of life. “Cultivate fraternity among yourselves, do not succumb to arrogance and egocentrism,” the Pope urged.
