João Lourenço officially received Pope Leo XIV in Luanda with a speech marked by two main themes: international peace and internal social justice.

Before the Pope, the Angolan President argued that the world is living through a "dangerous moment," characterized by the proliferation of armed conflicts and increasing geopolitical instability, calling for a definitive end to the war in the Middle East.

At the same time, the Angolan head of state asked the Pope to continue exercising his moral authority as a "bridge builder," promoting harmony, understanding between peoples, and the prevalence of dialogue over the use of force. For João Lourenço, figures with moral and political influence must act together to prevent the world from approaching a breaking point.

Domestically, the President also highlighted the importance of the Catholic Church as a social partner of the State, advocating for a more constructive involvement of the religious institution in the economic and social development of Angola.

The appeal comes in the context of the third papal visit to the country, after Saint John Paul II in 1992 and Benedict XVI in 2009, reinforcing the continuity of relations between Angola and the Holy See.

The visit of Leo XIV, which will last four days, takes place at a symbolic moment for Angola, marked by persistent social challenges, the strengthening of regional diplomacy, and the need to deepen policies to combat poverty and exclusion.

In his welcoming speech, João Lourenço described the current international landscape as one of the most delicate periods of recent decades. The Angolan President stated that armed conflicts are proliferating across all continents and warned of the risk of escalating global tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

"The Middle East, the cradle of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, and of great civilizations to whom humanity owes much, should be a zone of peace, harmony, and fraternity.", João Lourenço pointed out.

According to the Head of State, the current reality points to increased instability and the risk of a military escalation with unpredictable consequences. João Lourenço called for a definitive end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz through negotiation, considering it urgent to avoid a scenario of escalation that could bring the world "to the abyss".

The President argued that international trade already has clear rules and sufficient mechanisms to guarantee access to raw materials and energy resources without resorting to military force.

He also criticized what he described as an unbridled race for natural, mineral and energy resources, often obtained through the force of arms against sovereign countries. For the Angolan President, the use of war as an economic instrument represents a serious threat to international stability.

In this context, João Lourenço believes that diplomacy and dialogue should prevail over military confrontation, reaffirming a position that has marked Angolan foreign policy in recent decades.

It was precisely in this context of international instability that John Lawrence addressed a particularly symbolic appeal to Pope Leo XIV: that he continue to play his role as a "bridge builder" between peoples, religions and nations.

"The world appeals to Your Holiness to continue, from the height of Your Moral Authority, to play a role in building consensus, calming spirits, rescuing humanist values, and seeking harmony and understanding among men.", said João Lourenço.

According to the Angolan President, the world needs the intervention of figures with recognized moral authority, capable of promoting peace and the recovery of humanist values ​​that seem increasingly threatened. The Pope emerges, in this context, as one of the most relevant voices in the defense of peace and international coexistence.

João Lourenço emphasized that the Holy See possesses an influence that transcends the religious sphere, frequently acting as a moral mediator in times of international crisis. Therefore, he asked the Pope to maintain this role of seeking concord, understanding, and justice in international relations.

The head of state also argued that influential statesmen and public figures with moral credibility should work together to ensure that justice and dialogue prevail over the use of force. The direct reference to the Pope reinforces the diplomatic dimension of the visit and the expectation that the Vatican will continue to play an active role in international crises.

João Lourenço's message was not merely a formality. It fits into a broader vision of Angolan diplomacy, which has sought to establish itself as a defender of the peaceful resolution of conflicts, both on the African continent and in broader international scenarios.

Beyond international issues, João Lourenço took the opportunity to reinforce the role of the Catholic Church in Angola's internal development.

"We would like to be able to count on the more constructive involvement of the Catholic Church as a social partner of the State, so that together we can work towards achieving the progress and economic and social development of our country.", said João Lourenço.

The President called for a more constructive involvement of the Church as a social partner of the State, advocating for deeper cooperation in areas fundamental to national progress. According to the Head of State, the relationship between the Government and the Catholic Church has been historically important, even during difficult periods in Angolan history.

The dialogue between both institutions contributed to the formulation of social policies and investments in essential sectors such as health, education, water supply, electricity, housing, job creation, and the fight against poverty.

João Lourenço highlighted that Angola is a secular state, where religious freedom and peaceful coexistence between different faiths exist, but he emphasized that Catholicism maintains a particularly significant presence in the country due to the high number of faithful and its presence throughout the national territory.

The President also recalled recent initiatives by the Executive to dignify places of worship, including the new Basilica of Our Lady of Muxima, which will provide better conditions for the devotion of Catholic Christians and reinforces the symbolic value of the relationship between the State and the Church.

In this context, the papal visit also emerges as an opportunity to consolidate this institutional partnership and deepen cooperation around common objectives linked to social development.

João Lourenço made a point of emphasizing the attention given to the poor, as advocated by Pope Leo XIV in his apostolic exhortation. For the President, this principle serves as a direct guide in the daily struggle against social inequalities, indifference, and exclusion.

“The central idea of ​​attention to the poor, embodied in Your Holiness’s Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexe Te,” in which you consider, and I quote, that God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and you call for radical choices to help the weakest, has a very special resonance among us, rulers, because it serves as a guide in our daily action in the fight against inequalities, indifference, and social exclusion.”, said João Lourenço.

The Head of State acknowledged that combating poverty remains a complex and demanding mission, especially in a context where available resources do not always meet existing needs. Nevertheless, he insisted that the Executive is deeply committed to this task and aware of its social responsibility.

The Catholic Church, through its presence in communities and the work it carries out in schools, hospitals, and social projects, emerges as a natural partner in this mission. The President understands that this collaboration can help broaden the reach of public policies and strengthen concrete responses to the most vulnerable populations.

At the same time, João Lourenço sought to frame this social dimension within a broader vision of national reconciliation. For him, economic development cannot exist without social inclusion, and lasting peace requires more than political stability—it requires dignity, opportunities, and justice for all.

Pope Leo XIV's visit reinforces precisely this link between faith, public responsibility, and social commitment, placing once again at the center of the national debate the need to build a more balanced and less unequal Angola.

The arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Angola transcends the religious dimension and takes on a strong political, social, and diplomatic significance. By asking the pontiff to continue being a "bridge builder," João Lourenço projects an expectation of moral mediation from the Vatican in a world marked by wars and growing tensions.

At the same time, it reinforces internally the need for a deeper partnership between the State and the Catholic Church in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. In a country seeking to consolidate peace and reduce historical inequalities, the papal visit becomes a moment of reflection on the present and future of Angola.