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Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the exploitation of natural resources during his visit to Angola, which is rich in oil, on Saturday. This was the third stop on his four-country African tour.
Addressing political leaders in Luanda, the Chicago-born pontiff criticised “despots and tyrants” who benefit from the continent’s wealth while leaving the general population in poverty.
He described the “logic of extractivism” as a source of environmental disaster and immense human suffering, calling for an end to the “slavery” imposed by wealthy elites.
The Pope’s remarks appeared to target the influence of foreign corporations in Angola’s diamond and oil sectors, urging the government to prioritise the well-being of its 36.6 million citizens over corporate interests.
Despite its mineral wealth, a significant portion of the Angolan population continues to face extreme poverty.
Leo’s more forceful tone this week follows a period of heightened international scrutiny, though he recently sought to downplay perceived tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating his critiques of tyranny were not directed at any specific individual.
Earlier on Saturday, the Pope concluded his visit to Cameroon with a massive farewell Mass in Yaoundé, which drew an estimated 200,000 people.
He offered a message of hope to the Central African nation, which has been grappling with ongoing internal conflict.
Encouraging the faithful to remain resilient in the face of adversity, he emphasised that spiritual strength could overcome “adverse forces.”
The Pope’s 10-day tour continues as he travels nearly 18,000 kilometres to address issues of global inequality and peace.
