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Seminarians Welcome Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Visit to Angola as a Source of Hope and Renewal

Credit: Vatican Media/ACI Africa
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Luanda, 30 January, 2026 / 10:47 pm (ACI Africa).

Seminarians in Angola have expressed hope that the anticipated visit of Pope Leo XIV to the country and other parts of Africa will to mark a decisive moment of spiritual renewal, ecclesial strengthening, and social reconciliation for the local Church and society.

Speaking to ACI Africa on Thursday, January 29, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Major Seminary in Luanda, Philosophy and Theology students from various Dioceses described the anticipated papal visit as a sign of encouragement for Christians and an opportunity to address pressing moral, social, and pastoral challenges in Angola.

The Seminarians said the presence of the Holy Father could deepen faith, promote peace and reconciliation, inspire Priestly and religious vocations, and draw attention to issues such as poverty, social inequality, corruption, and the need for justice.

Osvaldo Domingos Bunga, a Theology student from the Archdiocese of Luanda, said a papal visit is always an event of “great ecclesial significance because it strengthens faith and rekindles hope among the people of God.”

He noted that the Pope, as the successor of the Apostles, comes to “confirm believers in their faith and to remind the Church of her evangelizing mission.”

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In Angola’s current social and political climate, Bunga said, the visit could also reinforce calls for “peace, dialogue, and mutual respect,” especially as the country approaches an election period. 

He added that a message from the Pope could encourage both leaders and citizens to work together for the common good, recognizing that the nation belongs to all Angolans.

Yanick Vunje Dobia, a Philosophy student from the Archdiocese of Luanda, described the planned visit as a “moment of closeness between the Pope and the African people.”

He said the Holy Father’s presence would be an “opportunity to address challenges such as social conflict, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and deep-rooted inequality.”

Dobia added that papal visits often have a strong vocational impact, inspiring young people to “discern a life of service in the Church” and encouraging Seminarians and Consecrated Persons to persevere in their calling.

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For Jesus Sebastião José, a Seminarian from the Diocese of Mbanza Congo, welcoming a Pope is always a “grace for any nation.” 

He said that the Pope’s presence would give Angola “greater international visibility and renew the faith of the Christian community.”

André Henriques, a Theology student from the Diocese of Viana, said the Apostolic Visit should be understood as a “profound moment of faith and ecclesial communion.”

Henriques noted that the visit, requested by both Church and civil authorities, highlights the continued relevance of the Christian faith in promoting peace, human dignity, and social cohesion. 

He said the Pope’s words “could shed light on pastoral challenges such as religious syncretism, authentic inculturation of the Gospel, and the social wounds caused by poverty and injustice.”

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For the Seminarian, the anticipated visit of Pope Leo XIV has the potential to become “a time of discernment, renewal, and missionary commitment,” helping the Church in Angola and across Africa to “remain vibrant, youthful, and deeply rooted in the Gospel.”

João Vissesse

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