Pope Leo XIV's departure from Angola marked the end of a visit defined by close encounters with the Angolan people. The last time the country had welcomed a pope had been 1992, when Pope St. John Paul II visited.
Pope Leo's final appearance in the African country was especially moving because he dedicated a few minutes to Angola's most vulnerable: children and people with disabilities. The pope greeted them one by one, making sure to pause with those facing the greatest challenges. These exchanges were simple but powerful—blessings, smiles, and words of encouragement—and were met with visible emotion by the participants and their families.
Starting early that morning, many faithful gathered near the airport to see Pope Leo leave. Before his departure, the pope delivered brief remarks, thanking the people of Angola for their warm welcome and highlighting the vitality of the Angolan Church.
Violet Riquelme
