Pope Thanks Angola's Church for Promoting Peace

In a nation still healing from decades of conflict, Pope Leo XIV honored the Catholic Church in Angola for building bridges instead of walls.

The Pope visited the Parish of Our Lady of Fátima in Luanda on Monday, where he thanked bishops, priests, and catechists for their commitment to reconciliation. Children greeted him with flowers while young women in traditional red skirts danced in celebration.

Angola won independence in 1975 but immediately fell into a civil war that lasted 27 years until 2002. The conflict left deep scars that still affect communities today.

Pope Leo praised the Church for its courage during those dark years and urged religious leaders to keep promoting peace. "In the past, you have shown courage in denouncing the scourge of war," he said. "Your contribution is widely recognized and appreciated. But this responsibility is not over!"

The visit was part of the Pope's African journey, which continues Tuesday in Equatorial Guinea. He spoke directly to seminarians and those in religious formation, encouraging them to embrace their calling without fear.

The Ripple Effect

The Church's work in Angola extends far beyond spiritual matters. Religious communities run schools and health clinics across the country, providing essential services in areas still recovering from war.

Pope Leo highlighted catechists, who play a unique role in African Catholic life. "Particularly in Africa, it is a fundamental expression of the life of the Church, which can serve as an inspiration for Catholic communities throughout the world," he said.

He urged clergy to stay close to ordinary people, especially the poor, and to reject privilege and self-centeredness. The Pope asked families to support their priests and religious members with prayer and honest counsel.

The Angolan bishops are currently three years into a pastoral plan called "Faithful Disciples, Joyful Disciples." Pope Leo connected this theme to the ongoing work of peacebuilding, saying that true fidelity to Christ means proclaiming peace and justice.

He closed by honoring Angolans who gave their lives for the Gospel and for justice, choosing faith over fear even in the darkest times.

Angola's journey from war to peace continues, guided by communities choosing forgiveness over revenge and hope over despair.