Luanda: The Organizing Committee for the visit of Pope Leo XIV, of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and So Tom© (CEAST), acknowledged the logistical and institutional support provided by the Angolan State to the Catholic Church during the Pope’s tour in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, in a press conference to provide a preliminary assessment of the Papal visit, the coordinator of the committee, Bishop Belmiro Tchissengueti, expressed gratitude to the public and private institutions that contributed to ensuring a comfortable stay for the Holy Father during his four-day visit. The Church expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the Pope’s focus on the evangelical mission in Angola.
Bishop Tchissengueti emphasized the importance of the visit, noting that Pope Leo XIV prioritized Angola on his itinerary, which was both a priority and a responsibility for the Church. He also acknowledged the presence of the health sector at all activity locations across three provinces, which provided medical assistance, with two cases of food poisoning reported.
Addressing an incident involving a young man who broke through the security cordon, Bishop Tchissengueti urged citizens to be responsible, affirming that the incident did not impact the success of the visit. He also highlighted the symbolic messages delivered by Pope Leo XIV, focusing on peace, reconciliation, and social development.
The visit included significant events such as a State meeting, a Holy Mass in Kilamba, Luanda, and meetings with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and catechists at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima. Other notable activities were the recitation of the Rosary at the Muxima Sanctuary and an open-air Mass in Saurimo, Lunda-Sul province.
During his stay, Pope Leo XIV met with Angolan President Joo Louren§o, members of the Executive, civil society, and the diplomatic corps. He celebrated Mass in Kilamba and led the rosary at the Muxima Sanctuary, drawing thousands of Catholic faithful.
The visit concluded with a trip to the province of Lunda-Sul, where Pope Leo XIV presided over an open-air Mass and visited a nursing home, demonstrating solidarity with vulnerable populations. Strong popular support was evident as faithful gathered in large numbers at celebration sites and the Apostolic Nunciature.
Equatorial Guinea is the next stop on Pope Leo XIV’s African tour, following visits to Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola.
