SAURIMO, Angola — Visiting the Central African state of Angola, Pope Leo XIV issued a challenge to the world, urging an end to all conflict and a renewed focus on caring for the weakest through charity, forgiveness, and prayer.
The American pontiff visited elderly residents at a care home in the Angolan city of Saurimo, where, in a moment of empathy, he emphasized that the quality of a nation is reflected in how it cares for the needy.
The pope flew to Angola’s northeastern city to begin the third day of his Apostolic Journey. After arriving at the airport, he traveled to the elderly care facility known by residents as “Lar,” which means “home,” and is run by the Angolan government.
Speaking to the facility’s 62 elderly residents—26 men and 36 women—Pope Leo expressed joy for their “faith-filled welcome” and shared his hope that they may truly live in a family atmosphere worthy of the care home’s informal name.
He reminded them that Jesus often visited the homes of His friends, spending time with Peter’s mother-in-law and frequently visiting Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Capernaum.
“In this care home, too, Jesus dwells with its elderly residents, especially when they forgive one another and seek reconciliation after a small offense,” Leo noted.
“He dwells among you whenever you try to love one another and help one another as brothers and sisters. When all of you, or even some of you, pray together with simplicity and humility, He is here among you,” he added.
The 70-year-old leader of the Catholic Church thanked the Angolan authorities for supporting initiatives such as the Lar care home. “The care of the weakest is a very important sign of the quality of the social life of a nation. Let us not forget that the elderly are not only in need of assistance, but first and foremost need to be listened to, because they preserve the wisdom of a people.”
Pope Leo concluded his brief address by praying for the elderly residents and entrusting them to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Sourced online by Tracy Cabrera/ia/xf
