• Pope Leo XIV calls for hope and unity during his visit to Angola.
• The pontiff criticizes the "extractivism" harming the African continent.
• Tens of thousands attend a mass emphasizing social justice and overcoming divisions.
• Opposition leaders praise Leo's support for the Angolan people's struggles.
• Leo expresses solidarity with flood victims in Angola while on his Africa tour.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola on Saturday for the third leg of his African tour, where he delivered a message of hope and urged the country to overcome its past divisions and corruption. "Today, there is a need to look to the future with hope," he stated during a massive open-air Mass attended by tens of thousands on Sunday in Kilamba, a town near Luanda. The pontiff criticized the "suffering" caused by poverty and the rampant exploitation of natural resources, which reflects a broader theme of his 11-day tour across Africa, according to Africanews, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

Highlighting the historical context of Angola, which is still healing from the scars of a brutal 27-year civil war, Pope Leo emphasized the need to break from the extractivism that has led to "social and environmental disasters." He addressed this during meetings with Angolan authorities, including President João Lourenço. The pontiff's focus on the need for change and encouragement resonated deeply with Angolans, with many seeing his visit as a “guiding light” amid ongoing systemic inequalities, as mentioned by Africanews and Channel News Asia.

During his first mass, Pope Leo addressed the economic disparities facing Angola's citizens, where an estimated one-third live below the international poverty line. Attendees expressed hopes that the Pope's message would uplift the youth and could lead to real change in governance. Father Pedro Chingandu noted the stark inequality in the country, emphasizing that "we need real democracy and the redistribution of wealth and justice," according to Africanews, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

The visit also comes at a time when Angola is recovering from natural disasters, with near 50 casualties reported from recent floods. Pope Leo expressed solidarity with those affected, extending his message of compassion and support to all Angolans during his visit. As he prepares to continue his tour of Africa, he aims to shed light on the significant issues facing the continent while fostering a message of hope among the populous, according to Africanews and Channel News Asia.