The Pope received, at the airport terminal, farewell greetings from President Joao Lourenco and members of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tome, before departing for Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African tour, which began in Algeria on April 13.
His Holiness expressed his deep appreciation to the country’s civil and religious authorities for their great efforts in preparing for his visit.
Upon ending the mass in Saurimo city, Lunda Sul province, the Pope addressed, before more than 60,000 people, a message of gratitude to the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, lay faithful, and the Government, for their dedication in preparing for his trip.
The Holy Father stated, “Angola, stay faithful to your Christian roots, so that you may continue to give your help ever more effectively for the building of justice and peace in Africa and throughout the world.”
In a meeting with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and pastoral agents, he addressed the missions of the Catholic Church in the country, entrusting it with remaining close to the people, especially the poor, and collaborating for the integral development of the nation, primarily in education and healthcare.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized, during his stay in Angola, his message to young people, urging them to be agents of transformation and protagonists in building a more just world.
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