YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Cameroon with a call for “structures of solidarity” to assist marginalized communities. His remarks came as he prepared to depart for Angola during his ongoing four-nation African pilgrimage. Within the festive atmosphere at Yaoundé Airport, where thousands gathered for the Mass ceremony, attendees included Cameroon's 93-year-old President Paul Biya, the world's oldest sitting leader.
Numerous worshippers attended the Mass, highlighting the joy of the occasion, particularly in a country where around one-third of the population identifies as Catholic. Some attendees unable to walk were transported in wheelbarrows by family members, emphasizing the effort made by many to participate in this significant event.
Pope Leo XIV, during his visit, has focused on inspiring young people amidst rising disillusionment and has urged national elites to cease exploiting the land and its inhabitants. In his homily, he emphasized that respect for human dignity is fundamental to every society, insisting that communities must create and maintain systems of mutual aid to assist each other during times of crisis, whether social, political, medical, or economic.
After the Mass, Pope Leo XIV was set to travel to Luanda, the capital of Angola. There, he planned to meet with President João Lourenço and deliver his first address to Angolan officials. Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, but the nation bears deep scars from a brutal civil war that lasted 27 years, resulting in over half a million deaths. Much of the conflict served as a Cold War proxy battle, with various international powers backing opposing sides.
Angola today stands as the fourth largest oil producer in Africa, ranking among the top twenty globally. It also holds significant positions in diamond production and has valuable reserves of gold and other critical minerals. However, in 2023, the World Bank reported that over 30% of Angola's population lives on less than $2.15 a day, demonstrating the disparity in wealth distribution despite these natural resources.
During his time in Cameroon, Leo condemned the “chains of corruption” that impede progress and criticized the “handful of tyrants” who perpetuate war and exploitation. It is anticipated that he will address similar themes in Angola, reflecting on the legacy of corruption left by former President José Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled for 38 years. Following his presidency, President Lourenço has claimed that approximately $24 billion was stolen or misappropriated during dos Santos's tenure and has pledged to combat corruption and recover misappropriated funds.
Angola's history as a significant point of the transatlantic slave trade will also be at the forefront of Pope Leo XIV's visit. As a former Portuguese colony, over five million enslaved Africans were transported from Angola between the 16th and 19th centuries. One of the highlights of Leo’s visit will be his pilgrimage to Muxima, known for its Catholic shrine and its connection to the historic slave trade. This site will be a focal point for the pope's prayers, as it serves as a reminder of the intertwined history of Catholicism and the exploitation of Africa.
Pope Leo XIV, being the first pope from the United States, carries a unique heritage that includes both enslaved ancestors and slave owners. His visit to Muxima is particularly poignant as the site became a pilgrimage destination following reports of a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1833.
As the pope embarks on his journey to Angola, his message is anticipated to resonate strongly with themes of peace, reconciliation, and a call for a brighter future for the nation, encouraging unity amid lingering issues of poverty and corruption.
