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

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.

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“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.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.