Pope Leo Visits Angola Amid Natural Resource Exploitation Debate

Pope Leo departs for Angola

Pope Leo is set to depart for Angola on Saturday, marking the third leg of his four-nation Africa tour. He will address exploitation of natural resources in the oil-rich country.

Criticism from Trump fuels pope’s forceful stance

The Pope has faced repeated criticism from President Donald Trump following a recent papal criticism of the Iran war.

Arrival in Cameroon

Pope Leo arrives in Cameroon, where he will celebrate a farewell Mass in Yaounde before departing for Angola. He urged participants not to lose hope despite challenges faced by the Central African country.

Meeting with Angola’s leaders

In Angola, Pope Leo is scheduled to meet President João Lourenço and address political leaders.

Oil-rich nation grappling with poverty

Angola, one of the leading oil-producing nations in sub-Saharan Africa, still faces extreme poverty. More than 30% of its population lives on less than $2.15 per day, according to the World Bank.

Catholic majority

Over half of Angola’s population identifies as Catholic.

Pope Leo’s recent outspoken stance

Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo has maintained a relatively low profile in his first 10 months but has become increasingly vocal during this Africa tour, issuing sharp denunciations on war and inequality.