LUANDA — On the seventh day of his pastoral journey in Africa, Pope Leo XIV delivered a deeply emotional message in Angola, calling on the faithful to “begin anew with a mother’s heart,” a phrase he used to describe forgiveness, compᴀssion, and national reconciliation.

Speaking during a large outdoor Mᴀss attended by thousands in Luanda, the capital of Angola, the Pope reflected on the country’s history of hardship and recovery, encouraging communities to move beyond the wounds of the past. He urged families, Church leaders, and civic authorities to embrace healing through dialogue and solidarity.

“Peace is not only the absence of conflict,” he said, “but the courage to start again with tenderness, patience, and a heart that does not close itself to others.” His words drew strong emotional reactions from the crowd, many of whom have lived through decades of social and political transformation.

Local Church leaders described the visit as one of the most significant moments in recent years for the Catholic community in Angola, highlighting its emphasis on reconciliation and youth empowerment.

The message was widely shared across African Catholic networks, with many interpreting it as a broader call for renewal across the continent. As the Pope’s African journey continues, his focus on hope, healing, and unity remains at the center of his pastoral mission.