Lunda-sul: The third day of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Angola was marked by a trip to Lunda-Sul province, where he led an open-air mass for thousands of faithful. During his stay in Saurimo, the Holy Father visited the Elderly Care Home, a gesture that highlighted the Church's attention to the most vulnerable groups, offering words of comfort and encouragement to the residents and caregivers.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Pontiff presided over an open-air mass in Saurimo, reinforcing messages of faith, hope, and Christian commitment. Pope Leo XIV stated that authentic faith loses its meaning when replaced by a "superstitious commerce," in which God is treated as an idol sought only when it serves.

During his homily, Leo XIV emphasized that the most beautiful gifts of the Lord are distorted when seen as demands, rewards, or instruments of exchange, especially when misunderstood by those who receive them. He also stated that many of humanity's desires are frustrated by the actions of the violent, the exploitation of the powerful, and the deceitfulness of wealth.

The Holy Father stressed that when injustice corrupts hearts, the bread intended for all becomes the property of a few, creating profound inequalities among peoples. In the face of these evils, the Pontiff said that Christ hears the cry of the nations and intervenes in human history, aiming to restore hope, lift up those who fall, and offer comfort to those who suffer, while encouraging the mission of the faithful.

As part of the day's agenda, the Pope also met with the clergy and pastoral agents at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, addressing the current challenges of the evangelizing mission. On that occasion, the Holy Father affirmed that all Angolans have the right to build the country and benefit from its resources equitably, emphasizing that the disciples of Christ must guide this mission according to the law of charity.

The Pontiff highlighted that the basis of Christian action lies in fidelity to Christ, appealing for union with Him as the foundation of the life and mission of the Church. The apostolic visit to Angola ends on Tuesday, with Pope Leo XIV traveling to Equatorial Guinea, the fourth and final stage of his tour of Africa, after Algeria and Cameroon.