Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe Bishops’ President Calls for National “refoundation”, Urges Conversion for a Just Future

Luanda, 20 September, 2025 / 10:38 PM

The President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) has called for the “refoundation” of Angola, urging politicians and citizens alike to embrace inner transformation as the only path toward justice, peace, and national renewal.

In his address during the opening ceremony of CEAST's Second Annual Plenary Assembly, Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba warned that Angola is at a “crucial moment” in its history. 

Archbishop Imbamba said that structural reforms alone are not enough, insisting on a “radical change of life” through a conversion of hearts and minds.

“The refoundation of Angola must be more than political. It is a call to all Angolans to embrace a new culture based on ethics, solidarity, and justice,” the Catholic Archbishop said during the Wednesday, September 17 event that was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima in Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana.

He added, “Political refoundation requires an inner transformation, a true conversion of the heart and mind of all Angolans.”

The Local Ordinary of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Saurimo noted that the country is living at a crucial moment in its history, in which it is necessary to reflect on its real situation and act to promote genuine change. 

“We cannot close our eyes to the reality of our country, marked at once by significant progress and frightening setbacks,” the 60-year-old Catholic Archbishop said, further indicating that poverty in Angola is multidimensional. 

“Our poverty is not only material. It is, above all, social, political, civic, cultural, and spiritual,” he said, pointing out that “a lack of trust in institutions and a sense of hopelessness have seeped into Angolans’ lives, especially among the youth.”

Archbishop Imbamba lamented that the Angolan society, mostly young, is marked by a heightened state of anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and frustration, caused by unemployment, lack of equal opportunities, and deep inequalities.

The CEAST President also denounced the lack of dialogue between rulers and the governed, calling it one of the greatest obstacles to building a fairer and more prosperous Angola.

“Dialogue between leaders and citizens must be more frequent, fairer, and more fruitful. Angola’s transformation depends on a real commitment to peace and justice, and this requires a conversion of the heart and mind of everyone, without exception,” he said.

Archbishop Imbamba continued, “We must repent of our mistakes, saying, ‘through my fault, through my most grievous fault, Angola is as it is.’”

In his address, the Archbishop also reflected on the Catholic Church’s key role in promoting reconciliation, peace, and justice. 

“It is our duty to call for and educate toward a culture of peace, justice, reconciliation, and tolerance,” he said. 

Archbishop Imbamba emphasized that “the Church is not only a faith institution but also a transforming agent of society. As the people of God, we have the responsibility to be the leaven in the dough, transforming society from within.

The CEAST President called for reflection and action among Angolan citizens, saying, “A new beginning and a new era must break forth so that the happiness of all may be realized.”