Pope Leo rails against those ‘blinded by power or wealth’ as he begins Africa visit

ANGOLAN bishops have vowed not to “squander” Pope Leo XIV’s African visit – as the continent knows how obsessions overpower and wealth can destroy civilisation.

The pontiff started an 11-day trip today (Monday, 13th April) where he plans to celebrate public Masses, deliver speeches and speak to community leaders in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

The Pope, who is a member of the Augustinian religious order, began his tour in Algeria, a non-Catholic country, which holds deep significance as the birthplace of fourth-century St Augustine of Hippo, in an area now called Annaba.

In his first address to political leaders he said that he is travelling ‌to Africa “as a witness to the peace and hope that the world so ardently desires”.

He said the future belongs to “those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth. 

“Africa knows all too well that people and organisations that dominate others destroy the world.”

More than a fifth of the world’s Catholics are in Africa, some 288 million people, according to Vatican figures from 2024 and is one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church.

Bishop Estanislau Chindecasse, of Dundo, eastern Angola, said they were anticipating Pope Leo’s visit on the 18th April where he is due to stay until 21st April.

The bishop told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that “above all, it is a great grace to host the holy father, Pope Leo XIV. He has not even been Pope for a year, and already he is visiting Angola.”

The bishop, who is also vice-president of the Bishops Conference, said that the Pope was coming to Angola as a pilgrim of hope, reconciliation and peace. 

He added: “These are three very important and highly topical issues for our Church today. 

“Therefore, we are going to prepare for this visit through catechesis, prayer and meetings, so that we may truly deepen our understanding and not squander this great opportunity that God is offering us, by sending his representative on earth in the person of Pope Leo XIV, the man who has spoken of peace, of unarmed peace.” 

Bishop Chindecasse said one of the highlights of Pope Leo’s trip was to Saurimo, in the east, which is home to an important diamond mining industry on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He added: “For us, in the east of Angola, it is even more joyful. With the prophet Isaiah we can say: Now, you, eastern Angola, will no longer be desolate, you will no longer be abandoned, for the holy father is to visit the east for the first time. 

“This is a great grace, a time to strengthen our communion with the holy father – internally, among the Church, but also for society at large.” 

Angola is a former Portuguese colony. Following independence in 1975 the country was embroiled in a prolonged civil war. Although the war has since ended, the nation is still plagued by division and extreme poverty, despite immense natural resources.

In a statement published in anticipation of the papal visit, the Angolan bishops said that this is a perfect occasion to promote unity. 

They added: “We need to prepare through a personal conversion and turn this visit into an opportunity to heal our internal wounds. We cannot host the ‘Messenger of Peace’ with our hearts full of hate, resentment, division and strife.

“Reconciliation must begin in each heart, in each family and in each civic, sporting, professional or party-political organisation.” 

ACN has been supporting the Church in Angola for decades, through projects including the renovation of churches, chapels and schools. 

The charity also supports the formation of priests, religious, seminarians and lay people, and provides subsistence for clergy and Sisters – as well as cars and motorbikes, which are essential for pastoral work in a country where the roads are in very poor condition.

With thanks to Paulo Aido