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Pope Leo XIV has begun the Angola leg of his African tour with a schedule that blends spiritual symbolism and pointed commentary on inequality, corruption, and the exploitation of natural resources.
The pontiff arrived in the Portuguese-speaking southern African nation on Saturday, marking the third stop of a four-country visit across the continent.
During a meeting with Angolan officials, including President João Lourenço, Pope Leo criticised the “suffering” and social and environmental “disasters” caused by the unchecked extraction of wealth from resource-rich nations.
His remarks reinforced a recurring theme of the 11-day trip, during which he has repeatedly warned against corruption and the plundering of Africa’s natural riches.
The pope’s comments come as many African nations continue to grapple with poverty despite vast reserves of oil, minerals and agricultural wealth.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to gather at Kilamba, outside the capital Luanda, for a giant open-air Mass led by the pope. Later, he is scheduled to travel by helicopter to Muxima, one of Angola’s most revered Christian pilgrimage sites.
Muxima is home to a 300-year-old church overlooking a river that was once used in the transatlantic slave trade. The site, where slaves were historically baptised before being transported to the Americas, now attracts around two million pilgrims annually. Its statue of the Virgin Mary, affectionately known as “Mama Muxima,” remains central to Catholic devotion in Angola.
The Angolan government has invested millions of euros in developing the town, including a new basilica, housing, and public services. However, critics have questioned those spending priorities in a country still burdened by poverty and deep inequality.
The pope also sought to distance himself from political controversy involving Donald Trump after recent criticism from the American leader. Leo said it was “not in my interest at all” to debate Trump.
On Monday, the pope will travel to Saurimo before heading to Equatorial Guinea, the final stop of his continental journey.
