Angola: Pope celebrates Mass in Kilamba

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo's first public event in Angola was Holy Mass in Kilamba, an urban development about 30 kilometres from the Angolan capital. Some 100,000 people gathered for the liturgy on Sunday, 19 April.

It was a very warm day - nearly 30c - with high humidity - the atmosphere was very joyful, animated by musicians and a huge choir, made up of choirs from across the dioceses and archdioceses.

In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel passage about the disciples who encounter the Risen Jesus but fail to recognise him on the road to Emmaus. "In this opening scene of the Gospel," said the Pope, "I see a reflection of the history of Angola, of this beautiful yet wounded country, which hungers and thirsts for hope, peace and fraternity."

He noted that "the conversation along the road between the two disciples, who reflected with sorrow on what had happened to their Master, brings to mind the pain that has marked Angola: a long civil war with its aftermath of enmities and divisions, of squandered resources and poverty."

The Pope urged Angolans "to begin anew," knowing that the Lord accompanies them and has compassion on them, as He did with His disciples. After Mass, he prayed the Regina Coeli with the assembly. He expressed closeness to the people of Ukraine amid intensified attacks and appealed for dialogue and diplomatic efforts in Lebanon.

Watch the Mass and Regina Coeli on Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKWj44xbx-Q

Read Pope Leo's full homily text:
www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2026/documents/20260419-angola-messa-kilamba.html