President Lourenço hails Pope Leo XIV’s Angola visit as key to strengthening dialogue, social progress, and global peace efforts.
Newsroom (20/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Angolan President João Lourenço has described the arrival of Pope Leo XIV as a pivotal moment in deepening cooperation between Angola and the Holy See, framing the visit as both symbolic and practical in advancing the nation’s social and diplomatic priorities.
Welcoming the pontiff on Saturday, April 18, Lourenço expressed a tone of national pride and gratitude, emphasizing the warmth with which the Pope was received. “I wish you… a warm welcome to Angola, a country that welcomes you with joy and enthusiasm,” he said, underscoring what he called the deep affection the Angolan people hold for the Holy Father.
The President characterized the visit not as an isolated event, but as part of a broader historical continuum. He pointed to decades of engagement between Angola and the Holy See, describing the Pope’s presence as “a reflection of the constructive relations that the Republic of Angola and the Holy See have maintained for decades.” According to Lourenço, the visit represents “one more step in the reinforcement of the dialogue” between the two entities.
Central to the President’s remarks was the Catholic Church’s role in Angola’s development. He credited ongoing collaboration with helping shape key public policies, particularly in social sectors. “This constant search for dialogue… helped the Angolan government in the formulation of social policies,” he noted, citing tangible progress in health care, education, housing, and poverty reduction.
Lourenço also signaled a desire to expand this partnership. “We would like to be able to rely on the more constructive involvement of the Catholic Church… to work together in order to achieve progress and the economic and social development of our country,” he said, indicating that the government sees the Church as a continuing partner in national advancement.
Referencing Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on compassion for marginalized populations, the President drew a direct connection between religious teaching and public policy. “God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated and oppressed,” Lourenço said, presenting this principle as aligned with Angola’s efforts to address inequality and social exclusion.
He also reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to religious pluralism, stating, “We are a secular State where every citizen can freely express his faith,” positioning the country as one that values coexistence and freedom of belief.
Beyond domestic issues, Lourenço used the occasion to highlight growing global instability. “We live in a dangerous moment with the conflicts that proliferate across all continents,” he warned, calling for peaceful solutions grounded in dialogue rather than force. He expressed particular concern about the Middle East, urging an end to violence and the pursuit of lasting peace.
In that context, the President appealed to Pope Leo XIV’s international influence, urging him to continue his role as a moral and diplomatic bridge. “The world calls for your holiness… to continue to play the role of bridge builder… of search for concord and understanding among men,” Lourenço said, stressing that “justice and dialogue must prevail over the use of force.”
Concluding his remarks, the Angolan leader extended his hopes for a meaningful visit. “I wish Your Holiness a good stay in Angola and a fruitful pastoral mission and great success,” he said, framing the visit as both a spiritual milestone and a step forward in Angola’s broader engagement with the global community.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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