In Luanda, during a meeting with the bishops, clergy, men and women religious, and pastoral workers, the Pope highlights the courage of the Angolan Church in “denouncing the scourge of war” and warns: “this responsibility is not over!” He urges all to contribute to building a society founded on freedom and fairness, and emphasizes the value of catechists, “an inspiration for Catholic communities throughout the world.”
By Antonella Palermo Building "a free, reconciled, beautiful and great Angolan society” is the essential goal to which the local Church is called to contribute, Pope Leo XIV remarked in his address on Monday at the parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Luanda. The Pope met with representatives of the local Church: Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated persons, Catechists, and Pastoral Workers. He arrived after his visit to Saurimo in northeast Angola. Yesterday in Kimbala, Leo urged the ecclesial community to continue listening to the cry of its children. Today, after hearing the president of the Episcopal Conference and testimonies from a priest, a catechist, and a religious sister, that encouragement became a call to denounce injustices, promote a reconciled memory, and foster education in harmony. A missionary, synodal, dynamic Church Built by Capuchin friars in the 1960s, the parish hosting the meeting has in its foundations a stone from a Portuguese city of Fatima. Its two towers rise above, the lower—about twenty meters high—topped by an image of the Virgin. Here the Pope gave thanks for the evangelizing work of a courageous Church that has sown peace where history has brought violence to this people. This courage, as recalled by Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of Saurimo, president of the Episcopal Conference, follows the mandate entrusted here by previous popes, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI. It is a Church with a strong missionary identity, striving to be strong, dynamic, and present in all spheres of life. It is engaged in fruitful ecumenical efforts and has begun interreligious dialogue with the Islamic community in Angola. To respond to current needs, a new male missionary institute dedicated to Mama Muxima is being established. READ THE FULL ADDRESS OF POPE LEO XIV AT THE MEETING The importance of catechists The Pope encourages young people not to be afraid to renew their “yes” to Christ, “to model your lives entirely on his.” “Do not be afraid of tomorrow,” he urged, “you belong entirely to the Lord. . It is worth following him in obedience, poverty and celibacy. He takes nothing away!” He insisted—also in light of the testimony of Manuel Almeida, coordinator of Diocesan catechists and community leaders—on the importance of the lay vocation of those who carry out Christian initiation with dedication across the territory. “In this mission, how important the ministry of catechists is! Particularly in Africa, it is a fundamental expression of the life of the Church, which can serve as an inspiration for Catholic communities throughout the world.” Proclaiming peace Union with Christ is a guarantee of goodness, Pope Leo emphasized, and the Church’s social apostolate must continue, firmly rooted in “the law of charity,” the hallmark of true disciples of Jesus. “What paths are being opened by the Lord for the Church in Angola? There will certainly be many! Try to follow them all! But the first path is fidelity to Christ. To this end, continue to value ongoing formation, be vigilant about the integrity of your lives, and, especially in these times, persevere in proclaiming the good news of peace.” Formation and contemplation Mention was also made regarding misleading messages that risk distorting the Gospel and manipulating consciences. Greater attention is therefore needed in formation, the Pope said, and this could draw from art, sport, and literature. As an Augustinian, he recalled the importance of contemplation, citing Pope Francis’ observation in Evangelii gaudium and emphasizing its supreme importance as a reflection of the power of the Resurrection. “Knowing Christ undoubtedly happens through a solid initial formation, with the personal guidance of formators; it involves adherence to the programs of your dioceses, congregations, and institutes; and it involves serious personal study, so that you may enlighten the faithful entrusted to you, saving them above all from the dangerous illusion of superstition. However, formation is much broader. It concerns the unity of our inner life, care for ourselves and for the gift of God we have received...” Fostering fraternity, assisting those in need The Pope once again proposed the image of a Church at the service of all—a Barque of Peter grounded in unity and trust in the family as the cornerstone of transmitting the faith. “Dear brothers and sisters, nurture fraternity among yourselves with frankness and transparency. Do not give in to arrogance and self-centeredness, do not detach yourselves from the people, especially the poor, and shun the pursuit of privileges. ” Promoting a reconciled memory "You have shown courage in denouncing the scourge of war," Pope Leo said appreciatively, "by standing at the side of people who were suffering, by building and rebuilding and by proposing paths and solutions to end the armed conflict." And this responsibility continues, he emphasized, saying "I encourage you to promote a renewed sense of reconciliation by educating everyone in the ways of peace and valuing the harmonious witness of those brothers and sisters in your midst who, after enduring painful trials, have been able to forgive. Rejoice with them and celebrate peace!" And the commitment continues—marked by wisdom and generosity in every area, from education to healthcare.