On April 18, 2026, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Luanda, Angola, for the third stage of his Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. His arrival took place at “4 de Fevereiro” Luanda International Airport, where an official Welcome Ceremony marked the beginning of his visit to Angola. The Vatican programme listed his arrival in Luanda at 3:00 p.m., after departing from Yaoundé, Cameroon.

At the airport, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. Two children also greeted the Pope and offered him flowers, creating a warm and symbolic moment of welcome from the Angolan people.

The ceremony was simple, respectful, and full of meaning. It represented not only a diplomatic reception, but also the beginning of a pastoral visit focused on peace, reconciliation, social justice, and human dignity. Angola, a country rich in natural resources but still marked by the wounds of colonial history, civil war, inequality, and poverty, became a central place for Pope Leo XIV’s message of hope during his African journey. AP reported that the Pope challenged Angola’s leaders to break systems of exploitation and inequality while encouraging the people to seek justice and peace.

After the airport welcome, the Pope’s schedule continued with a courtesy visit to the President of Angola at the Presidential Palace, followed by a meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps. Vatican News noted that the first public event of his visit urged leaders to place the common good before narrow interests and to promote peace and stability.

The arrival in Luanda also carried deep emotional significance for Angolan Catholics. Many faithful saw the Pope’s presence as a sign that their struggles, hopes, and prayers were being recognized by the universal Church. The visit came as Angola continued to face the long-term effects of a 27-year civil conflict, social hardship, and the challenge of building a more united future. Reuters later reported that Pope Leo XIV described Angola as a “beautiful yet wounded country” and encouraged its people to overcome old divisions and build peace.

 The images from the Welcome Ceremony show a formal yet joyful moment: Pope Leo XIV stepping onto Angolan soil, greeted by national leaders, children with flowers, and the solemn atmosphere of an official state reception.

Pope Leo XIV’s arrival in Luanda was more than the start of a visit. It was a message of closeness to the people of Angola — a call to heal wounds, reject exploitation, defend human dignity, and walk together toward reconciliation, justice, and peace.