Angola will need time and planning to internalise Pope Leo's messages, says Bishop Estevao

Dulce Araujo - Luanda

Bishop Estevao Binga explained that his diocese was created by Pope Francis in August 2024 by carving out territory from the Archdiocese of Huambo and the Diocese of Benguela. It is situated in a somewhat remote, rural region. The region is plagued by difficulties in communication due to a poor road network and scarce internet and telephone connectivity.

Unable to travel to Saurimo

The transportation situation worsened early this month when rains swelled the region's numerous rivers. The flooding destroyed thousands of homes and public infrastructure. Many roads were also swept away. This includes a vital railway link that has disrupted traffic between the Benguela and Huambo provinces. As a result, the dreams of many who had planned to attend and participate in the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo in Saurimo were dashed. They could not travel.

Pope Leo expressed his solidarity with those affected when he landed in Angola from Cameroon.

Bishop Estevao Binga on the plane from Sauriom

Asked to assess the Pope’s visit to Angola, Bishop Estevao described it as, "excellent!" He said the Apostolic Journey has even made Saurimo known to the world. However, the most important, says Bishop Estevao, are the messages of peace, fraternity, and reconciliation that the Pontiff has left behind. Besides this, Pope Leo, through his words and gestures, has encouraged and confirmed the Christian faith of Angolans.

Time to put into practice Pope Leo’s words

Respect and tolerance are some of the key themes that accompanied Pope Leo on his Apostolic journey to Angola. These message, he said, are relevant also for his Diocese in Ganda, where ideological and political party polarisation has in the past led to serious violence. Similarly, Pope Leo XIV’s call for Christians not to confuse the Catholic faith with superstitious practices is relevant in certain parts of his diocese.

For its part, the local Church in Ganda, has been at the forefront of trying to eradicate harmful local practices by spreading the Gospel and fostering critical thinking among people.

“One might say: think with your own head, not with the mindset of charlatans who propagate such superstitious practices with the view of exploiting the naivety of credulous persons. Sometimes people are left impoverished by such fraudulent beliefs,” said Bishop Estevao.  He continued, “After the Pope’s visit, we must take time to reflect on his words and the values that he has imparted to us during a historic moment for our country.”