Angola’s bishops call for national reconciliation and spiritual renewal as the nation prepares to welcome Pope Leo XIV in April.
Newsroom (03/03/2026 Gaudium Press) With weeks to go before the long-awaited apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV, the Bishops of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe have appealed for a profound spiritual awakening among the faithful, urging national reconciliation and genuine conversion as essential preparations for welcoming the Holy Father.
In a message delivered on March 2 and titled “Welcome Pope Leo XIV, Pilgrim of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace,” members of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) said the upcoming visit, scheduled from April 18 to 28, must transcend ceremonial fanfare and instead serve as “a moment of profound spiritual renewal.” The message, approved at CEAST’s First Ordinary Annual Plenary Assembly in Luanda, called Angolans to cleanse their hearts of “hatred, resentment, divisions, and quarrels” before receiving the messenger of peace.
A Call for Inner Conversion
The bishops described the papal visit as “a favorable time of grace and a concrete opportunity to renew hope, strengthen reconciliation, and consolidate peace in Angola.” They characterized the event as one of “profound spiritual joy” for the Church, emphasizing the Pope’s mission to confirm the faithful in their faith and inspire perseverance amidst national and personal challenges.
With just 47 days until Pope Leo XIV’s arrival, CEAST expressed confidence that his presence will “encourage us to unite ever more in the promotion of hope, reconciliation and peace for all.” Reconciliation, they stressed, must begin at the most personal level — “in each heart, in each family and in each civic, sports, professional or political association.”
Spiritual and Communal Preparation
CEAST urged Catholics throughout Angola to engage in “intense spiritual preparation, through unceasing prayer in all dioceses, parishes and pastoral centers.” They further directed that prayers for the Pope’s health be included in all liturgical celebrations, ensuring the Pontiff’s message may “find fertile ground in Angolan soil.”
The bishops also view the papal visit as a time for healing — “a favorable opportunity to heal our internal wounds.” They warned that lasting peace, both social and ecclesial, cannot be realized without authentic reconciliation between individuals and communities. The message reaffirmed that “God prepares for this people paths not yet explored,” adding that the future of Angola “can be better if it is built with common responsibility and a spirit of unity.”
A Visit of Historical Resonance
The timing of Pope Leo XIV’s journey coincides with two major national milestones: the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence and the 450th anniversary of Luanda’s founding. The bishops pointed to the historical and spiritual symbolism of this convergence, recalling Angola’s pivotal role in the evangelization of sub-Saharan Africa. The flourishing of Christianity in the region, they said, testifies that “Christ truly dwells in the heart of His people.”
Beyond prayerful readiness, CEAST acknowledged the immense logistical efforts required to host the Holy Father, comparing the support of the faithful to the widow’s mite — a gesture of humble generosity. “No contribution is small,” they wrote, inviting all sectors of society, from catechism students to business leaders, to collaborate in ensuring the visit’s dignity and success. Serving as a volunteer during the visit, they added, would be a way to “write your name in the annals of Angola’s history.”
The Papal Itinerary
According to CEAST’s announcement, Pope Leo XIV will arrive at Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda on April 18. That day, he will meet Angolan authorities, the President of the Republic, and representatives of civil society, before addressing the nation’s bishops at the Apostolic Nunciature.
On Sunday, April 19, the Pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass at Kilamba Centrality at 9:30 a.m., followed by a pilgrimage and prayer service at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Conception of Muxima in the Diocese of Viana at 4:30 p.m. The following day, April 20, he will travel east to Saurimo to preside over a Eucharistic celebration and visit a home for the elderly before returning to Luanda for an afternoon meeting with Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Catechists at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima.
The apostolic journey will conclude on April 21 with farewell ceremonies and the Pope’s departure from Luanda.
As Angola and São Tomé prepare to receive the “Pilgrim of Hope,” the bishops’ message resounds like a national examination of conscience — a reminder that peace and renewal begin not with parades or fanfare, but within the transformed hearts of those who welcome the Gospel’s call to unity and forgiveness.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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