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Pope Leo, Newly Forceful Global Voice, Heads to Angola on Africa Tour
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 18, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 18, 2026
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Pope Leo XIV begins his third stop in Angola on April 18, 2026, urging equitable resource sharing amid stark inequalities, while drawing huge crowds and spotlighting Africa’s growing centrality in global Catholicism.
Pope Leo, newly forceful global voice, heads to Angola on Africa tour
Pope Leo's Africa Tour: Key Events and Messages
By Joshua McElwee
Departure for Angola
YAOUNDE, April 18 (Reuters) - Pope Leo sets off on Saturday for Angola, where he is expected to address exploitation of natural resources in the oil-rich country on the third leg of his four-nation Africa tour, during which he has taken on a new forceful speaking style.
Response to Criticism and Recent Statements
Leo, who has been attacked repeatedly by President Donald Trump this week after the pope criticized the Iran war, will arrive from Cameroon, where on Thursday he said the world was "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants".
Arrival in Luanda
The first U.S. pope was due to arrive in Luanda, Angola's capital, around 3 p.m. (1400 GMT).
Farewell Mass in Cameroon
Before leaving Cameroon, Leo celebrated a farewell Mass in the capital, Yaounde, urging participants not to lose hope despite the challenges faced by the Central African country, which include a simmering conflict in its two anglophone regions that has killed thousands.
Message of Hope
"In moments when we seem to be sinking, overcome by adverse forces, when everything appears bleak ... Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil," the pontiff told a crowd the Vatican estimated to number 200,000, which would make it the biggest event of his tour so far.
"In every storm, he comes to us and repeats: 'I am here with you: do not be afraid'," said Leo.
Angola Faces Poverty Despite Oil Wealth
ANGOLA FACES POVERTY DESPITE OIL WEALTH
Meeting with President João Lourenço
In Angola later on Saturday, the pope was due to meet President João Lourenço before addressing the country's political leaders.
Economic and Social Challenges
After decades of bloody conflict in the 20th century, Angola became one of the leading oil-producing nations in sub-Saharan Africa, with the sector accounting for some 95% of its exports.
Its population of 36.6 million people is still confronting extreme poverty, with more than 30% living on less than $2.15 per day, according to the World Bank.
More than half of the country identifies as Catholic.
Pope Leo's Evolving Leadership Style
Leo, originally from Chicago, kept a relatively low profile for a pope in his first 10 months, but in recent weeks has become outspoken on a range of issues. He has issued sharp denunciations of war and inequality on the ambitious, 10-day Africa tour.
Public Reception in Cameroon
Crowds greeting the pope on his visit to Cameroon were enthusiastic, including an estimated 120,000 people who attended a Mass on Friday in Douala, lining the streets along his routes and wearing colourful fabrics featuring images of his face.
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Alex Richardson)
Key Takeaways
- •Pope Leo arrives in Luanda today (April 18, 2026), focusing his Angola visit on the exploitation of natural resources and rising inequality despite oil wealth — the country exports nearly 95% in oil but over 30% live under $2.15/day
- •This Africa tour (April 13–23) marks his first major continental trip, showcasing a shift toward Africa — now accounting for about 20% of global Catholics and nearly a third of seminarians — and a more outspoken papal tone
- •Angola remains deeply unequal, with high poverty, youth unemployment (over 50%), and economic dependence on oil; the pope’s messaging emphasizes social justice, reconciliation, and hope in post‑civil‑war recovery
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Leo, newly forceful global voice, heads to Angola on Africa tour
1Why is Pope Leo visiting Angola?
Pope Leo is visiting Angola as part of his Africa tour to address issues like the exploitation of natural resources and ongoing poverty in the oil-rich country.
2What issues did Pope Leo highlight during his Africa tour?
Pope Leo has spoken out against war, inequality, and resource exploitation, urging hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
3How has Pope Leo's speaking style changed recently?
Pope Leo has become more forceful and outspoken, issuing strong denunciations of war and global inequality on his current tour.
4What percentage of Angola's population lives in poverty?
More than 30% of Angola’s population lives on less than $2.15 per day despite the nation's oil wealth.
5How was Pope Leo received in Cameroon?
Pope Leo was warmly welcomed in Cameroon, with around 120,000 people attending a Mass in Douala and crowds lining the streets to greet him.
