Pope Leo Decries Exploitation by World’s ‘Authoritarians’ During Angola Trip/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Leo condemned oppression, exploitation, and authoritarian rule during a Mass in Angola as part of his major Africa tour. The first U.S. pope warned that violence and dishonesty go against Christian values and criticized leaders exploiting Africa’s people and resources. His increasingly forceful public remarks have drawn global attention, including criticism of U.S. and Israeli actions involving Iran.
Pope Leo Condemns Authoritarians During Angola Africa Tour Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV spoke during Mass in Saurimo, Angola
- He condemned oppression, exploitation, and authoritarian rule
- Leo said many people are being “exploited by authoritarians and defrauded by the rich”
- Angola is the third stop on his four-country Africa tour
- The pope recently criticized “despots and tyrants” exploiting Africa
- He said violence and dishonesty contradict the Christian message
- Large crowds welcomed him across Angola
- He will next travel to Equatorial Guinea
Deep Look
Pope Leo Delivers Strong Message Against Oppression in Angola
Pope Leo XIV delivered another powerful message against oppression and inequality on Monday during a Mass in Angola, saying too many people around the world are being abused by authoritarian leaders and economic exploitation.
Speaking in the city of Saurimo near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the pope told worshippers that violence, dishonesty, and oppression stand against the heart of the Christian faith.
“Every form of oppression, violence, exploitation and dishonesty negates the resurrection of Christ,” he said, referring to Christianity’s central belief that Jesus rose from the dead after crucifixion.
He also warned that many people globally are being “exploited by authoritarians and defrauded by the rich,” continuing a more direct and forceful tone that has defined his ongoing Africa tour.
The remarks mark another strong public statement from the first American pope, whose recent speeches have drawn global political attention.
Angola Marks Third Stop of Major Africa Tour
Angola is the third stop on Pope Leo’s ambitious four-country African tour, one of the most logistically complex papal visits in recent history.
The 10-day trip includes stops across 11 cities and towns in four countries, covering nearly 18,000 kilometers (11,185 miles) over 18 flights.
The visit reflects the Vatican’s growing focus on Africa, where Catholic populations continue expanding rapidly and where political instability, poverty, and inequality remain major challenges.
Leo became leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church last May and initially maintained a relatively quiet public profile during the first months of his papacy.
However, this Africa trip has shown a much more outspoken side of his leadership.
He has used multiple speeches to directly condemn war, inequality, exploitation of natural resources, and political oppression.
Pope Repeatedly Criticizes Global Leaders
Although Pope Leo has avoided naming specific leaders, his recent statements have clearly targeted authoritarian governments and leaders he believes contribute to conflict and suffering.
On Saturday, he criticized the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources by what he called “despots and tyrants.”
Last Thursday, he said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”
His remarks have drawn attention partly because of ongoing global conflicts, including the U.S.-Iran war and tensions involving Israel.
His more outspoken position has reportedly drawn frustration from President Donald Trump, especially given Leo’s criticism of American foreign policy.
Still, the pope insisted on Sunday that his speeches were not personally directed at Trump.
He told journalists that the messages delivered during the Africa tour had been written weeks earlier and were intended as broader moral statements rather than personal attacks.
Massive Crowds Welcome the Pope in Angola
Despite political controversy abroad, Pope Leo has received an enthusiastic welcome across Angola.
Angola is one of Africa’s most deeply Christian nations, with roughly 80% of the population identifying as Christian and about half of those identifying as Catholic.
Two major events on Sunday drew especially large attendance.
A Mass held in an open dirt field and a separate prayer gathering at a historic site once linked to the transatlantic slave trade brought together an estimated 130,000 people.
The strong turnout highlighted the emotional importance of the visit for many Angolans, especially as the pope addressed issues of poverty, justice, and dignity.
Visit to Former Slave Trade Site Carries Symbolism
One of the most significant moments of the Angola visit came during Leo’s prayer at a former slave trade site.
The location served as a major hub during the transatlantic slave trade, when millions of Africans were forcibly taken from the continent.
By praying there, the pope connected present-day injustice with historical exploitation, reinforcing his broader message about dignity and human rights.
His repeated criticism of systems that exploit the poor reflects a long tradition within Catholic social teaching, but his direct language has made these remarks especially notable.
Observers say Leo is increasingly positioning himself as one of the world’s most vocal moral critics of inequality and authoritarian power.
Final Stop Will Bring Sensitive Political Meeting
Monday marks Pope Leo’s final full day in Angola before he travels Tuesday to Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his African journey.
There, he is scheduled to meet with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country since 1979 and is considered the world’s longest-serving president.
Equatorial Guinea is often criticized internationally as one of the region’s most repressive governments, with frequent allegations involving corruption and human rights abuses.
The government denies those accusations.
Leo is expected to address political leaders directly during that visit, making his next speech closely watched given his recent criticism of authoritarian rule.
The meeting may become one of the most politically sensitive moments of his papacy so far.
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