Archbishop Dias urges unity, reconciliation, and peace in Angola, calling on Pope Leo XIV to guide the nation toward truth and shared destiny.
Newsroom (20/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a powerful appeal for national healing, Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda called on Angolans to rise above divisions and embrace reconciliation, urging Pope Leo XIV to help guide the country toward unity rooted in truth, justice, and peace.
Speaking at the conclusion of Holy Mass on Sunday, April 19, in Kilamba, Luanda, the Archbishop addressed the Holy Father directly, framing his presence as both symbolic and transformative for the nation. His message centered on the urgent need for collective healing in a country seeking to strengthen its social fabric.
“Holy Father, bless your people… bless our land. Help us heal our wounds, to be a people united in good, in truth, and in justice,” Archbishop Dias said during the Eucharistic celebration.
He presented the Pope as a source of hope, emphasizing that his visit reinforces a shared belief in the possibility of a better future. According to the Archbishop, unity rooted in a common destiny can overcome division and inspire progress.
“In each one, the conviction that when the will of a shared destiny prevails, it is possible to build a better future for all,” he said.
Archbishop Dias also warned against the divisive effects of political differences, calling for a renewed commitment to coexistence that transcends partisan lines. He urged Angolans to ensure that politics does not fracture relationships or communities.
“Help us discover the path of healthy coexistence above political colors, that politics does not separate families, friends, colleagues, does not divide villages or neighborhoods,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of perseverance in building peace, the Archbishop described reconciliation as both a gift and a responsibility that requires sustained effort.
“Help us understand that the desire for reconciliation and peace… is… a gift… and that tenacity is needed to build peace. Perseverance is needed to take care and make life grow,” he said.
The Archbishop also reflected on the historical roots of the Church in Angola, paying tribute to those who passed on the faith, including individuals he described as “authentic martyrs and confessors of faith.” Their legacy, he suggested, continues to shape the country’s spiritual and moral identity.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Dias articulated a vision of Angola grounded in shared values, calling for a national identity defined by faith, fraternity, and development.
“Angola must be the country of faith, fraternity, and development. This must be our characteristic, our DNA,” he said.
The Pope’s visit, he noted, has been marked by widespread anticipation and joy, reflecting the deep significance of the moment for many Angolans.
“This day… is a day of joyful enchantment, prepared and loved by God, dreamed and expected by many,” he said, adding that “everything and everyone rejoices.”
Entrusting the visit to spiritual protection, Archbishop Dias invoked the Virgin Mary under the title of Santa Maria da Muxima, revered as the Mother of Angola.
“I entrust your visit to the maternal presence of Santa Maria da Muxima, Mother of Angola,” he said.
At the close of his address, the Archbishop presented Pope Leo XIV with a commemorative medal marking both the papal visit and the 450th anniversary of Luanda, symbolizing the nation’s history and its enduring aspiration for unity.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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