Pope Condemns Exploitation by Authoritarians, Says Violence and Oppression Violate Core Beliefs
During his visit to Angola, Pope Leo XIV lamented that many people globally are 'exploited by authoritarians and deceived by the wealthy,' and stated that violence and oppression contradict core Christian beliefs.
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## Press Release Information
Title: Pope Condemns Exploitation by Authoritarians, Says Violence and Oppression Violate Core Beliefs
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Body (First 8000 characters): Central News Agency
(CNA, Saurimo, Angola, April 20th, General Foreign News) Roman Catholic Pope Leo XIV, currently on a visit to Angola, lamented during a mass today that many people around the world are "exploited by authoritarians and deceived by the wealthy," and stated that violence and oppression are contrary to the core beliefs of Christianity.
According to Reuters, these remarks are the latest example of Leo XIV's uncharacteristically strong and direct speaking style during his four-nation African tour. In recent weeks, his candid criticism of the United States and Israel's war actions against Iran has drawn dissatisfaction from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the public in Saurimo, a town in northeastern Angola, Pope Leo XIV stated, "All forms of oppression, violence, exploitation, and lies deny the resurrection of Christ the Lord." He was referring to the core Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion.
After spending the entire day in Angola, Pope Leo XIV is expected to travel to Equatorial Guinea, the final stop of his African tour, tomorrow.
He will meet with the 83-year-old President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and deliver an important address to the country's political leaders. Nguema is currently the longest-reigning head of state in the world, excluding monarchs.
According to Vatican News, approximately 40,000 faithful participated in the mass presided over by the Pope in a plaza in Saurimo today, with another 20,000 participating in the liturgy outside the plaza.
The 70-year-old Pope, upon arriving in Angola on the 18th, criticized "dictators and tyrants" for exploiting Africa's natural resources in his speech. On the 16th, he stated that the world is "being ravaged by a few tyrants."
Pope Leo XIV told reporters yesterday that the speeches for his current trip were drafted weeks ago and were not intentionally aimed at Trump. He had strongly criticized the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28th.
Equatorial Guinea has long been criticized as one of the countries with the worst human rights records in Africa, though authorities deny all accusations of human rights violations and corruption. (Translator: Hong Qi-yuan) 1150420
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Title: Pope Condemns Exploitation by Authoritarians, Says Violence and Oppression Violate Core Beliefs
Subtitle:
Company Name:
Industry:
Body (First 8000 characters): Central News Agency
(CNA, Saurimo, Angola, April 20th, General Foreign News) Roman Catholic Pope Leo XIV, currently on a visit to Angola, lamented during a mass today that many people around the world are "exploited by authoritarians and deceived by the wealthy," and stated that violence and oppression are contrary to the core beliefs of Christianity.
According to Reuters, these remarks are the latest example of Leo XIV's uncharacteristically strong and direct speaking style during his four-nation African tour. In recent weeks, his candid criticism of the United States and Israel's war actions against Iran has drawn dissatisfaction from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the public in Saurimo, a town in northeastern Angola, Pope Leo XIV stated, "All forms of oppression, violence, exploitation, and lies deny the resurrection of Christ the Lord." He was referring to the core Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection on the third day after his crucifixion.
After spending the entire day in Angola, Pope Leo XIV is expected to travel to Equatorial Guinea, the final stop of his African tour, tomorrow.
He will meet with the 83-year-old President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and deliver an important address to the country's political leaders. Nguema is currently the longest-reigning head of state in the world, excluding monarchs.
According to Vatican News, approximately 40,000 faithful participated in the mass presided over by the Pope in a plaza in Saurimo today, with another 20,000 participating in the liturgy outside the plaza.
The 70-year-old Pope, upon arriving in Angola on the 18th, criticized "dictators and tyrants" for exploiting Africa's natural resources in his speech. On the 16th, he stated that the world is "being ravaged by a few tyrants."
Pope Leo XIV told reporters yesterday that the speeches for his current trip were drafted weeks ago and were not intentionally aimed at Trump. He had strongly criticized the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28th.
Equatorial Guinea has long been criticized as one of the countries with the worst human rights records in Africa, though authorities deny all accusations of human rights violations and corruption. (Translator: Hong Qi-yuan) 1150420
Stand with the facts. Your sponsorship is the power to protect news freedom.
Download CNA's "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.
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