April 21, 2026 Source: Jornal de Angola
Pope Leo XIV bids farewell to Angolans this Tuesday morning after completing a four-day apostolic visit marked by moments of blessing, faith, closeness, and spiritual reflection.
During his stay in the country, the Holy Father maintained a busy schedule, the highlight of which was his meeting with the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, who welcomed him upon arrival at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda.
Following this, the Head of the Catholic Church met with his counterpart João Lourenço at the Presidential Palace in Cidade Alta, where they held a private meeting, followed by an exchange of gifts.
In every part of the city he passed through, Pope Leo XIV was greeted with enthusiasm, applause, and expressions of affection from the faithful and the general public.
On the same day, Leo XIV’s schedule also included a meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps accredited to Angola, in the Protocol Hall of the Presidency of the Republic.
Second Day
On Sunday, the 19th, the Pontiff traveled to the Kilamba Centrality, where he celebrated an open-air Mass that brought together more than 600,000 faithful.
On the same day, the Pope traveled by helicopter to the town of Muxima, in the province of Icolo e Bengo, where he led the recitation of the rosary, a moment that reinforced the spiritual value and importance of prayer.
Third Day
On Monday, the 20th, Pope Leo XIV left the Apostolic Nunciature in the early hours of the day, bound for the city of Saurimo. In that eastern region of the country, he visited the Nursing Home for the Elderly, which houses more than 74 residents.
Accompanied by the Archbishop of Saurimo, Bishop José Manuel Imbamba, the Holy Father proceeded to the Cathedral, where he remained for a few minutes of prayer.
Pope Leo XIV’s schedule in Saurimo culminated with the celebration of an open-air Mass on the city’s esplanade.
On the same day, the Pope returned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Luanda and later met with bishops, priests, and consecrated men and women at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima (Church of St. Dominic), marking the final stage of the third day of his visit to Angola.
Moments of blessing marked the Pope’s arrival and departure from the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s headquarters in Angola, on several occasions.
Fourth Day
Starting at 8:45 a.m. this Tuesday, according to the schedule released by the Holy See, a farewell ceremony for Pope Leo XIV will be held at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport.
At 9:15 a.m., the plane carrying the Holy Father will depart the Angolan capital bound for the city of Malabo, continuing his apostolic journey to the African continent.
Leo XIV is the third Pope to visit Angola, following John Paul II in 1992 and Benedict XVI in 2009.