Pope Arrives in Angola to Lead Mass, Urging Citizens to Overcome Divisions; Expected 100,000 Attendees
Pope Leo XIV visited Angola to host a massive outdoor mass, urging the nation to overcome the scars of its 27-year civil war. He also strongly criticized political leaders for exploiting natural resources and failing their people.
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- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 20:49
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Reuters Report: This mass is expected to be one of the largest events during Pope Leo XIV's current African tour.
The Pope described Angola as a "beautiful but severely scarred nation." Angola endured a bloody 27-year civil war from 1975 to 2002.
Leo XIV urged the Angolan people to "build a country that completely overcomes long-standing divisions, a place where hatred and violence no longer exist." His recent frequent comments on war and inequality have reportedly angered US President Donald Trump.
Some Angolan citizens arrived at the venue in the humid early morning hours just to ensure they could catch a glimpse of the Pope; Catholics make up more than half of Angola's population.
Sister Christina Matende, who arrived at the site at 6 a.m. local time, said, "The Pope's visit brings joy. We are going through many difficult times and hope the Pope brings blessings."
Anielka Caliata, a 25-year-old citizen waiting for the Pope's appearance in the city of Kilamba today, expressed her gratitude for the Pope's powerful rhetorical style displayed during his African trip.
Standing beside her parents and fiancé, she said, "Our country desperately needs this kind of message. I believe the Pope will help us think and reflect, making everyone understand that peace can only be achieved through united efforts."
Angola has a population of about 36.6 million and is one of the major oil-producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It also possesses rich resources like diamonds, but the domestic wealth gap is massive, and most of the wealth does not reach the general public. According to World Bank data, about one-third of the country's people live below the international poverty line of $2.15 (approx. NT$68) a day.
When delivering a speech to Angolan political leaders yesterday, the Pope condemned the exploitation of the African continent's natural resources. He lashed out at "dictators and tyrants," accusing them of promising wealth but failing to deliver, leading to the suffering and even death of the people.
He urged political leaders to focus on helping all citizens: "Even if some may oppose you in the short term, history will eventually do you justice." (Translated by: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150419
The Pope described Angola as a "beautiful but severely scarred nation." Angola endured a bloody 27-year civil war from 1975 to 2002.
Leo XIV urged the Angolan people to "build a country that completely overcomes long-standing divisions, a place where hatred and violence no longer exist." His recent frequent comments on war and inequality have reportedly angered US President Donald Trump.
Some Angolan citizens arrived at the venue in the humid early morning hours just to ensure they could catch a glimpse of the Pope; Catholics make up more than half of Angola's population.
Sister Christina Matende, who arrived at the site at 6 a.m. local time, said, "The Pope's visit brings joy. We are going through many difficult times and hope the Pope brings blessings."
Anielka Caliata, a 25-year-old citizen waiting for the Pope's appearance in the city of Kilamba today, expressed her gratitude for the Pope's powerful rhetorical style displayed during his African trip.
Standing beside her parents and fiancé, she said, "Our country desperately needs this kind of message. I believe the Pope will help us think and reflect, making everyone understand that peace can only be achieved through united efforts."
Angola has a population of about 36.6 million and is one of the major oil-producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It also possesses rich resources like diamonds, but the domestic wealth gap is massive, and most of the wealth does not reach the general public. According to World Bank data, about one-third of the country's people live below the international poverty line of $2.15 (approx. NT$68) a day.
When delivering a speech to Angolan political leaders yesterday, the Pope condemned the exploitation of the African continent's natural resources. He lashed out at "dictators and tyrants," accusing them of promising wealth but failing to deliver, leading to the suffering and even death of the people.
He urged political leaders to focus on helping all citizens: "Even if some may oppose you in the short term, history will eventually do you justice." (Translated by: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150419