Rome: Pope Leo XIV recalled, on Wednesday in Rome, his recent visit to Angola, where he observed the existence of a free church for a free people, at the service of peace and national reconciliation. Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the catechesis, the Pontiff summarized his recent apostolic journey to the African continent, emphasizing that Angola has a centuries-old Christian tradition linked to the colonial era. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Pope highlighted that the turbulent and bloody period that Angola endured post-independence served as a divine guide and purification for the Church, steering it towards the service of the Gospel, the promotion of human rights, reconciliation, and peace. He described the Church as a free institution serving a liberated people. During his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Conception of Muxima, Pope Leo XIV felt the vibrant spirit of the Angolan people and was heartened by the dedication of religious men and women who selfl essly serve their communities. The Pope shared that he witnessed the resilient hope of the Angolan people, manifested in their joyous expressions of faith despite past hardships. He emphasized that this hope necessitates a tangible commitment from the Church to advocate for human rights and their recognition. Pope Leo XIV assured Angolan civil authorities of the Catholic Church's continued commitment to contributing particularly in health and education sectors. The Bishop of Rome expressed gratitude to the bishops and civil authorities in Angola for their warm reception and support during his apostolic journey. He also conveyed his longstanding desire to visit the African continent and his satisfaction in fulfilling this mission, viewing it as a message of peace amidst global conflicts and legal transgressions. The pastoral journey commenced in the Republic of Algeria and included visits to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV marked his visit as the third Papal presence in Angola, followi ng in the footsteps of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.