Pope Leo Addresses 200,000 at Angola Mass, Condemns Tyrants

Pope Leo addressed tens of thousands of worshippers during an open-air mass in Kilamba on Sunday, with the Vatican estimating approximately 200,000 faithful had gathered to hear the pontiff speak at the sprawling urban development near Angola's capital Luanda. The mass marked the second day of his visit to the resource-rich nation, which is the third leg of his four-nation Africa tour. Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope in history, has adopted an increasingly outspoken stance on war, inequality, and the exploitation of natural resources during his continental tour, even drawing criticism from President Donald Trump after he called for an end to the Middle East conflict. In remarks to Angola's political leaders on Saturday, Pope Leo condemned the actions of "despots and tyrants" who he said guarantee wealth but fail to deliver on their promises, resulting in widespread suffering and death. He urged leaders to prioritize their people over corporate interests, stating that history would vindicate those who govern justly. Angola is one of sub-Saharan Africa's leading oil producers, yet more than 30 percent of its 36.6 million population lives on less than $2.15 per day, according to World Bank data. More than half the country identifies as Catholic. Citizens expressed hope that the pope's message would bring change to their nation. "Our country needs a lot of this message and I think the pope will help us to think and reflect about that, knowing that all of us need to work together and do our best to have peace," said Anielka Caliata, 25, who attended the mass with her family. Patricio Musanga, 32, added that young Angolans desperately need encouragement, as many leave the country seeking better opportunities abroad despite the nation's natural wealth. Father Pedro Chingandu, who traveled from the eastern province of Moxico, emphasized the need for real democracy and wealth redistribution, noting that the country remains scarred by a civil war that ended in 2002 following independence from Portugal. Following the Kilamba mass, Pope Leo traveled by helicopter to Muxima, a venerated pilgrimage site featuring a 300-year-old church built near a river that once served as a major slave trading route, where he is expected to address large crowds.