Pope Leo XIV addressed a massive open-air congregation of approximately 100,000 people outside Angola's capital on Sunday, imparting a message of optimism to the nation known for its rich resources but also significant poverty and inequality.
The Pontiff arrived in the Portuguese-speaking country on Saturday, marking the third stop on an extensive tour across four African nations. During his tour, he has consistently spoken out against corruption and the exploitation of the continent's wealth, a stance that has led to notable exchanges, including with US President Donald Trump.
The Vatican reported that the mass, held in Kilamba, about 30 kilometres from Luanda, drew an estimated 100,000 attendees, according to local authorities.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to "look to the future with hope" and embrace a "new beginning" for the nation. He noted that the country is still recovering from a protracted civil war that concluded in 2002.
The Pope expressed his belief in the possibility of constructing a nation where past divisions are permanently resolved, where animosity and conflict cease, and where the deep-seated issue of corruption is addressed through a renewed commitment to justice and equitable sharing.
Following his arrival from Cameroon on Saturday, the Pope participated in an event with Angolan President Joao Lourenco and other government officials. It was during this engagement that he voiced his concerns over the "suffering" caused by widespread poverty and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources, maintaining the strong tone he has adopted throughout his 11-day journey.
Angola stands as one of Africa's leading oil producers and possesses substantial diamond reserves. Nevertheless, the country faces considerable economic disparities. Official figures indicate that roughly one-third of its 36.6 million inhabitants live below the poverty line, according to data from the World Bank.
Statistics reveal that the Angolan population is predominantly young, with an average age of 23 years.
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