Tens of thousands gather outside Angolan capital for Pope Leo mass

KILAMBA, Angola – Large crowds gathered on April 19 in a field in Kilamba close to Angola’s capital Luanda for a mass with Pope Leo in what is expected to be one of the biggest events of his Africa tour.

The Vatican said some 200,000 people might throng the Kilamba area, a sprawling urban development near the capital, to hear an address from the Pope, who has become outspoken on war and inequality and angered US President Donald Trump.

Some Angolans had arrived in the early morning in hot, humid conditions to ensure they could see the pontiff in person.

“The Pope coming here is a joy,” said Sister Christina Matende, who arrived around 6am (1pm Singapore time). “We are living in a moment of a lot of difficulties and we are waiting for the blessing of the Pope.”

Angola is one of the leading oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but its population of 36.6 million people is still confronting extreme poverty, with more than 30 per cent living on less than US$2.15 (S$2.70) per day, according to the World Bank.

More than half of the country identifies as Catholic.

Pope denounces ‘despots and tyrants’

Pope Leo, the first US pope, is visiting Angola on the third leg of a four-nation Africa tour. In a speech to the country’s political leaders on April 18, he decried the exploitation of natural resources on the continent.

The Pope blasted “despots and tyrants” who he said guarantee wealth but do not deliver on their promises, leading to suffering and deaths.

He also urged political leaders to focus on helping all their people, and not just corporate interests.

“History will then vindicate you, even if in the near term some may oppose you,” he said.

Ms Anielka Caliata, 25, who was in the crowd waiting for the Pope in Kilamba on April 19, said she was grateful for the way the Pope has debuted a forceful speaking style on his Africa tour.

“Our country needs a lot of this message and I think the pope will help us to think and reflect about that, knowing that all of us need to work together and do our best to have peace,” she said, as she stood with her fiance and parents. REUTERS