Pope Leo XIV calls on Angolans to ‘celebrate peace’ during Luanda Mass

Pope Leo XIV urged peace and reconciliation during a Mass in Angola on Monday (April 20), addressing enthusiastic crowds on the third leg of his four‑nation Africa tour.

The pontiff was welcomed in Luanda by children offering flowers and by worshippers waving Angolan and Vatican flags as he arrived at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima.

In remarks during the service, Leo praised Angola’s pastoral workers for their role in promoting peace after years of conflict, but said the work was unfinished. He called for a “reconciled memory” and urged people to educate future generations in harmony, forgiveness and peace.

The first U.S.-born pope has adopted a more forceful tone during his 10‑day African tour, repeatedly condemning war, oppression and exploitation. In recent days he has spoken out against authoritarianism and inequality, saying violence and injustice run counter to Christian values.

Crowds along the pope’s routes in Angola have been large and animated, reflecting the country’s deep Christian roots. About 80% of Angolans identify as Christian, with roughly half of them Catholic.

Leo, who became head of the world’s 1.4‑billion Catholics last year, is expected to travel on Tuesday (April 21) to Equatorial Guinea, the final stop of his Africa tour, where he will also meet political leaders and address state officials.

-Jose Pablo Diaz/Reuters