Pope Leo XIV Concludes Intensive Seventh Day in Angola With Calls for Peace and Reconciliation

Pope Leo XIV visits Kilamba and Muxima in Angola, calling for an end to war and corruption while urging the nation to heal from its history of civil conflict.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 6:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vatican News

Spiritual Reflection Amidst the Wounds of Conflict

Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass in Kilamba, situated 30 kilometers from Luanda, where he addressed a diverse international assembly despite extreme humidity. During his homily on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Pontiff drew parallels between the biblical journey to Emmaus and the modern history of Angola. He described the nation as a beautiful yet wounded country that continues to experience a deep hunger for hope and social fraternity following its long period of civil strife.

A Call for National Renewal and Healing

The Holy Father utilized the liturgical gathering to encourage the Angolan people to begin their social and spiritual journey anew. He noted that the sorrowful reflections of the disciples on the road to Emmaus mirrored the pain of Angola’s past, characterized by deep-seated enmities and the squandering of national resources. According to the Pope, acknowledging this history is essential for the country to move toward a future defined by compassion and mutual accompaniment rather than division.

Diplomatic Appeals for Global Conflict Zones

Following the conclusion of the Mass, the Pope led the Regina Coeli prayer, during which he shifted his focus to pressing international crises. He expressed profound closeness to the citizens of Ukraine who are currently facing intensified military attacks. Additionally, the Pontiff issued a direct appeal for increased diplomatic engagement and dialogue in Lebanon, emphasizing that the global community must reject the path of armed confrontation in favor of negotiated peace.