Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Visit to Angola Sign of Hope for Spiritual and National Renewal: Catholics in Interviews

Mundombe noted that the visit is an opportunity for Angola to be seen globally. 

“All eyes will be on Angola, which will be at the center of world attention. It is a source of pride for every Angolan, because the arrival of a Pontiff reaffirms the importance of the Catholic Church in our country and strengthens Angola’s image before the world. We should be grateful to the Holy See for this gesture,” he said.

On his part, Guilherme Bernardo Mocuta, also from the Diocese of Viana, underscored the importance of the visit in a challenging social and political context. 

“The coming of the Holy Father to Angola is a great honor, not only for the Church, but for the entire country. Among all African countries, he chose Angola, which shows the relevance of our country and our people,” Mocuta said.

He added, “The Pope will have direct contact with leaders and figures in society, and he can positively influence both people’s faith and the actions of those who govern.”

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Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Visit to Angola Sign of Hope for Spiritual and National Renewal: Catholics in Interviews

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Mocuta said that the visit should nourish hope and faith. 

“The people are living in a critical situation, and I believe that the Pope’s presence will encourage leaders to pay more attention to the needs of the population. In addition, the visit will strengthen the faith of all who follow Catholic teaching, encouraging hope and belief in better days,” he said.

Feliciana Pedro Teixeira, from the Archdiocese of Luanda rejoiced at the honor of welcoming the Pontiff to Angola for the first time and the importance of his message for the continent.

“I was very happy and consider it a great honor to have the Pope here in our country and in Africa. We hope that he will come more often, feel welcomed, and see how we preserve our culture and live our religions, especially Catholicism,” Teixeira said.

He added, “It is essential that his message brings hope, because where there is darkness, the presence of the Pope can illuminate our hearts and renew our faith.”

“We hope that the Holy Father will inspire us in our mission to bring the Word of God to the world. May he awaken in us the desire to follow Jesus with a true heart and courage, motivating us to live our faith in an authentic and committed way, even in the face of the difficulties we face in the country,” he said.

Félix Macula, also from the Archdiocese of Luanda, underscored the importance of the visit in light of the social and political challenges facing Angola and Africa.

“The Pope’s visit is an opportunity to renew the Church and to follow in the reformist footsteps of Pope Francis, adding what still needs to be done in the life of the Church in Angola and Africa,” Macula said.

He added, “We hope that he will hear the cry of the people and encourage positive changes, not only in the religious sphere, but also in the social and political spheres, helping to mitigate injustices and conflicts that affect our continent.”

Macula noted that the visit should have a global impact, saying, “Today, problems are not limited to Africa; there are instabilities and risks that affect the world. The presence of the Pope can serve as a voice of hope and justice, reinforcing the role of the Church in promoting peace, equity, and solidarity, while at the same time inspiring leaders and the population to act responsibly.”

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Marisa Bernadette Matateu Cuvala, from the Archdiocese of Luanda, stressed that the Pope’s visit represents hope for spiritual and social renewal. 

“I hope that the Pope will come to correct mistakes, bless and guide the country, asking God for the necessary changes. We are living amid scarcity and hardship, and his presence should be an impetus to transform people’s lives, especially the actions of leaders. May he inspire faith, renewal, and justice in Angola,” she said.

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