“A great source of joy”: Catholic Bishop on Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Apostolic Visit to Angola

He explained that a Papal visit carries two fundamental dimensions for Christians, the first being the confirmation and strengthening of faith.

“To be confirmed in the faith is extremely important, especially in a pluralistic world that often loses its sense of ethical, human, and Christian values,” Bishop Lasarte said.

Reflecting on the vitality of the Catholic Church in Angola, where about half of the population is Catholic, and nearly 80 percent identifies as Christian, the 62-year-old Catholic Bishop said the Holy Father’s presence will be an encouragement to perseverance and fidelity.

“Encouraging this living Church in Angola is a great stimulus for us to remain firm in the faith,” Bishop Lasarte said.

He identified the second key dimension of the Papal visit as the role of the Holy Father as a sign and instrument of unity within the Church.

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“A great source of joy”: Catholic Bishop on Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Apostolic Visit to Angola

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“The Holy Father helps to create communion among Dioceses, cultures, and diverse ecclesial realities, strengthening the unity of the Church in Angola in communion with the universal Church,” Bishop Lasarte explained.

Speaking personally about Pope Leo XIV, he expressed joy that the Holy Father, American-born member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA/Augustinians), has extensive missionary experience.

“I feel a great sympathy for a missionary Pope who comes to Angola also as a missionary, with sensitivity, closeness, and apostolic zeal,” he said.

The Angolan Catholic Bishop expressed hope that the Papal visit will bear fruit not only spiritually but also socially, especially as Angola prepares for the 2027 elections.

“I hope it will also be a time of civic preparation, helping Christians to give witness to transparency, justice, reconciliation, and commitment to building an inclusive society,” Bishop Lasarte told ACI Africa during the January 14 interview.