Pope Leo addresses 100,000 in Luanda, calls for peace and dialogue

LUANDA: Pope Leo III on Sunday addressed in Luanda to a crowd of nearly 100,000 people, where he urged Angolans to overcome divisions and embrace peace after decades of conflict.

Speaking during a Mass held in a dirt field near the capital, the pope described Angola as a “beautiful yet wounded country,” referencing its 27-year civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. He called on citizens to “build together a country where old divisions are overcome once and for all, where hatred and violence disappear.”

The gathering marked one of the largest events of his four-nation Africa tour, with thousands of believers arriving before dawn at Kilamba despite hot and humid conditions. The crowd cheered, danced, and sang as the pope passed through in his white popemobile.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo extended his message beyond Angola, calling for an end to ongoing global conflicts. He urged an immediate halt to the war in Ukraine, stressing that “weapons must fall silent” and dialogue must prevail. He also welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon as a “reason for hope.”

During his visit, the pope has taken a strong stance on inequality and governance. In a speech to political leaders a day earlier, he criticised the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources and denounced “despots and tyrants” who promise prosperity but fail to deliver, leading to suffering among their people.

He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over corporate interests, saying history would ultimately judge their actions.

Angola, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s top oil producers, continues to face economic challenges, with a significant portion of its population living in poverty. More than half of the country identifies as Catholic, making the pope’s visit particularly significant.

For many attendees, the message resonated deeply. Worshippers expressed hope that the pope’s call for unity and reflection would inspire change and help guide the nation toward lasting peace.