Pope Leo XIV’s Angola Pilgrimage Marks Reconciliation at Historic Slave Trade Site. Kinshasa, DRC — April 20, 2026 Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Angola on April 19, 2026, was a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between the Catholic Church and the continent’s history of exploitation.
The Pope’s message of peace and reconciliation, delivered amidst the serene backdrop of the Kwanza River, resonated deeply with the Black Catholic community and the nation’s collective memory.
The sanctuary, once a focal point of the transatlantic slave trade, now stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Pope Leo XIV, the first North American-born Pope, invoked the Virgin Mary in a prayer that called for love to triumph over war, urging his followers to be messengers of compassion and blessing. Established by Portuguese colonizers in the late 16th century, the sanctuary’s original purpose was intertwined with the dehumanizing trade of enslaved Africans.
Yet, it later became a site of Catholic pilgrimage following reported Marian apparitions in the 19th century.
The Pope’s visit, therefore, carried both historical weight and a profound spiritual significance. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV prayed the Rosary within the 16th-century church, acknowledging the site’s history without directly referencing the term ‘slavery. ‘His message, however, was clear: the time for healing and reconciliation is now.
The event drew a crowd of approximately 30,000, including scholars, clergy, and members of the Black Catholic community.
The Pope’s call for a society free of war, injustice, and corruption was met with applause and reflection. His own heritage, which includes both enslaved people and slaveholders, lent a unique perspective to his message, emphasizing the universal nature of his call to action.
The visit to the Shrine of Muxima is seen as a critical step towards acknowledging the Church’s historical role in the slave trade and the need for continued healing and reconciliation. It has sparked a renewed conversation about the Church’s actions and the ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable future.
As Pope Leo XIV departs Angola, his visit to the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima will undoubtedly continue to resonate, challenging the Church and its followers to confront their past and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate present.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 2*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Dominic Wabwireh
