On the eighth day of his Apostolic Journey to Africa, Pope Leo XIV carried out a deeply pastoral mission in Angola, focusing on the elderly, the faithful, and Church workers. Traveling nearly 2,000 kilometers across the country, the Pope journeyed from Luanda to the northeastern city of Saurimo for a series of significant encounters.
His day began with a visit to a care home for the elderly, where he was welcomed with joy, music, and dancing. Addressing the residents, Pope Leo emphasized that the elderly are not merely in need of care but are guardians of a people’s wisdom. He stressed the importance of listening to them, noting that their lives and experiences are invaluable to society.
Following the visit, the Pope celebrated Holy Mass near the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Saurimo. Tens of thousands of faithful gathered despite intense heat, demonstrating strong devotion. In his homily, Pope Leo spoke about the suffering caused by injustice, warning that many people’s hopes are crushed by violence, exploitation, and corruption. He reminded the faithful that Christ hears the cries of the suffering and brings renewal, comfort, and strength.
He also cautioned against reducing faith to superstition or treating Christ as merely a source of personal gain. True faith, he said, must be rooted in sincerity and commitment.
Later, returning to Luanda, Pope Leo met with clergy, religious, and pastoral workers, encouraging them in their vocation and assuring them that their service to the Gospel is seen and valued by God.