Pope Leo XIV criticises tyranny and resource exploitation in Angola, urging dissent and addressing poverty in the oil-rich nation during his African tour
LUANDA: Pope Leo XIV condemned tyranny and the “disasters” caused by resource exploitation as he arrived in Angola on Saturday.
Speaking to officials including President Joao Lourenco, he questioned the suffering caused by rampant exploitation.
“How much suffering, how many deaths, how many social and environmental disasters are caused by this logic of exploitation,” he said.
Angola is a top African oil producer rich in diamonds, yet stark inequality persists. Around a third of its 36.6 million people live below the international poverty line of USD 2.15 per day.
The Pope also urged Angola to “not be afraid of dissent”. Authorities have been accused of stifling freedom of expression under the long-ruling MPLA party.
He spoke out against “despots and tyrants” who seek to subjugate people. His visit is the third by a pontiff to the majority Catholic nation.
Earlier, Pope Leo expressed regret that his tour was overshadowed by a spat with US President Donald Trump. He told journalists on his flight from Cameroon he had no interest in debating the US leader.
His remarks about “tyrants” in Cameroon were written before Trump’s criticism, he clarified. The US media had interpreted them as a response.
The Pope’s four-nation Africa tour began in Algeria. It has featured warnings against corruption, resource plunder, and artificial intelligence dangers.
On Sunday, he will celebrate a mass in Kilamba on Luanda’s outskirts. He will later visit the pilgrimage site of Muxima.
He departs for Equatorial Guinea after a final mass in Saurimo.
