Luanda: The Minister of State for Social Affairs, Maria do Ros¡rio Bragan§a, assured on Friday in Luanda that all conditions are in place for the official visit of Pope Leo XIV to Angola from April 18 to 21. Speaking to the press at the end of a meeting led by the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, and the event's organizing committee, the minister said the country is prepared to successfully welcome the Pope.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the meeting served to confirm that "all conditions are in place" for the visit to take place as planned, highlighting the commitment of the institutions involved in the organization. The minister clarified that there will be no public holiday in the province of Luanda during the visit, contradicting information circulating on social media, adding that the measure will only be applied in the province of Lunda-Sul on Monday as it is a working day.
The minister called for a spirit of peace, harmony, and brotherhood among Angolans, underlining that the country will simultaneously receive a Head of State and an important world spiritual figure. 'It is fundamental that the reception be successful and that His Holiness's messages be internalized, contributing to the strengthening of moral values in society,' she pointed out.
The minister said that the presence of numerous faithful and journalists is expected, including foreign professionals in the process of accreditation to cover the event. Among the scheduled activities, highlights include the organization of an open-air ceremony in Kilamba, Luanda, celebrations at the Muxima Sanctuary in the province of Icolo e Bengo, as well as private moments and meetings with pilgrims in the province of Lunda-Sul, in addition to other initiatives included in the agenda of the papal visit.
The organizing committee was created by Presidential Decree of January 14, 2026, following the official announcement of the Pope's trip to the country made by the Apostolic Nunciature in Angola. Its main responsibilities include creating the essential material and protocol conditions for the success of the visit, ensuring coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature in Angola, and coordinating the actions necessary for the implementation of higher directives. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Angola and So Tom© (CEAST).
