Tens of thousands of faithful gathered outside the Angolan capital of Luanda on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated a landmark open-air Mass — one of the largest religious gatherings in recent African history. The pontiff, who chose his name in honor of both Leo XIII and, reportedly, Pope Leo I, has been on an intensive apostolic journey through Africa, with Angola serving as a central pillar of his continent-wide tour.
A Papal Message of Reconciliation and Condemnation of Extractivism
During his time in Angola, Pope Leo XIV delivered pointed remarks directed at both political and economic forces he said were harming the African continent. In a speech that drew widespread attention, the Pope strongly condemned what he described as the “extractivist” economic model — the practice by which foreign powers and multinational corporations drain Africa’s natural resources without commensurate benefit to local populations.
“Africa is not a mine to be exhausted. Africa is not a well to be drawn from until it runs dry,” the Pope reportedly told assembled clergy, civil authorities, and diplomats at the Presidential Palace in Luanda on Saturday. His remarks targeted a pattern long decried by African leaders and civil society: the export of raw materials from the continent while processed goods return at far higher cost.
The Pope’s condemnation resonated widely in a country like Angola, where oil wealth has co-existed for decades with deep poverty. Angola remains one of Africa’s largest oil producers, yet ranks among the world’s most unequal nations in terms of wealth distribution.
A Tour That Has Captivated the Continent
Pope Leo XIV’s Africa tour has been nothing short of extraordinary. Before arriving in Angola, he drew over 120,000 people in Cameroon for an open-air Mass — the largest crowd of his journey so far. The pontiff, who has made clear his intention to prioritize the Global South during his papacy, has used every appearance to underline his commitment to Africa.
In meetings with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the Pope discussed pathways to peace in conflict zones across the continent, the fight against poverty, and the responsibility of the Catholic Church in addressing environmental degradation.
A Continent Looking Skyward
For many Angolan Catholics, the Pope’s visit was more than a religious event — it was a moment of continental pride. “He chose Africa. He chose to come here first,” said one worshipper who arrived at the Kilamba stadium grounds before dawn. “That means something.”
Observers say his emphasis on extractivism signals a papacy prepared to challenge powerful economic interests, and that African bishops will be watching closely to see whether his words translate into sustained advocacy on the world stage.