Pope in Angola Warns Against Exploitation of Natural Resources

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday strongly criticized the exploitation of natural resources in Africa, accusing “despots and tyrants” of promising wealth while bringing suffering and death. Speaking in Angola, the third stop on his African tour, he called for the creation of a society free from the “slavery of elites” who possess great wealth but “false joy”.

In the capital, Luanda, he warned that “powerful groups” are targeting the country’s resources, in an apparent reference to foreign companies operating in the oil and mining sectors. He said the logic of extraction often leads to suffering, deaths and environmental damage.

He urged Angolans to break the “cycle of interests that subordinates everything, even human life, to profit” and called on political leaders to serve all citizens rather than narrow economic interests.

During his 10-day tour of Africa, the Pope has repeatedly spoken out against both war and inequality. Before arriving in Angola, he celebrated Mass in Yaounde, Cameroon, which the Vatican said was attended by about 200,000 people. He urged the faithful not to lose hope despite the region’s conflicts and challenges.

(reuters, lud)