Pope Leo XIV ends Angola visit, heads to Equatorial Guinea for final leg of 11-day African journey focused on faith, unity, and development.
Newsroom (21/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has concluded his three-day Apostolic visit to Angola and departed for Equatorial Guinea, marking the final stage of his 11-day journey across four African nations.
On his final morning in Luanda, the Holy Father celebrated a private Mass at the Apostolic Nunciature before proceeding to the airport, where he bid farewell to Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. The papal plane departed at 9:19 AM local time, formally closing the Angola leg of the trip.
During his stay in the central African nation, Pope Leo visited Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo, engaging with local communities and Church leaders. Reflecting on the visit during his onward flight, he emphasized the growing vitality of the Church in Angola and its potential role in advancing social development.
Collaboration and Development
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight, Pope Leo highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Church and the Angolan government, particularly in healthcare and education. He noted that discussions with President Lourenço focused on strengthening joint efforts to improve public services.
“We are already working together for the good of all the people, but from different points of view,” the Pope said, pointing to initiatives such as building hospitals and expanding facilities.
He underscored the Church’s broader mission, stating it has a responsibility to promote universal rights through both action and proclamation. This includes advocating for human dignity through education, healthcare, and pastoral outreach.
Church Growth and Future Prospects
The Pope described Angola as a place where the Church is experiencing significant growth, contrasting it with regions where participation is declining. He suggested that this expansion may lead to structural developments, including the possible creation of new dioceses to better serve the faithful.
“We can concretely see where it would be important to create new dioceses… to have more bishops who can be closer as pastors to the people,” he said.
Addressing speculation about the appointment of an Angolan cardinal, Pope Leo acknowledged the interest but said no decisions have been made. He added that future appointments would be considered within a global context, while expressing hope that Africa—and possibly Angola—could be represented in the not-too-distant future.
Evangelization Without Proselytism
The Pope also reiterated a key theme of his papacy: evangelization rooted in witness rather than coercion. He encouraged Catholics to share their faith through joy, beauty, and authentic living.
“There is a call for evangelization… not through proselytism,” he said, echoing the approach often emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Instead, he pointed to “the attraction of faith and the joy of believers” as the most compelling testimony.
Arrival in Equatorial Guinea
Pope Leo landed in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea—Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country—at 11:31 AM local time. His visit there will continue until Thursday, April 23, concluding the broader Apostolic Journey.
His schedule includes a courtesy visit to the President at the Presidential Palace and meetings with government authorities, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Pope is also set to engage with cultural figures at the León XIV Campus of the National University, visit patients and staff at the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital, and hold a private meeting with the country’s bishops.
Nationwide Itinerary
On Wednesday, Pope Leo will travel from Malabo to Mongomo, where he will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and visit the Pope Francis Technology School.
He will then continue to Bata, with stops including a visit to a local prison, a prayer at the memorial for victims of the March 7, 2021 explosion, and a meeting with young people and families at the city’s stadium. The day will conclude with his return to Malabo.
Final Day and Departure
The Apostolic Journey will conclude on Thursday with a Mass at Malabo Stadium, followed by a farewell ceremony at the airport. Pope Leo XIV is expected to depart for Rome later that day, bringing his African mission to a close.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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