Pope Confronts Slave Trade Legacy During Angola Visit
On April 19, Pope Leo XIV prayed at a historic Catholic shrine in Angola, reflecting on the “sorrow and great suffering” endured by generations of Angolans during the transatlantic slave trade.
The visit took place at the Church of Our Lady of Muxima on the seventh day of the pope’s 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, which began earlier that month. As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, the pope’s pilgrimage carried both symbolic and personal significance.
Nestled among baobab trees along the Kwanza River, the white-walled church was built by Portuguese colonists in the late 16th century as part of a fortress. While it later became known as a pilgrimage site after reports of a Virgin Mary apparition in 1833, its earlier history is far more somber. Enslaved Africans were brought to the site, forcibly baptized, and then marched about 110 kilometers to the port of Luanda. From there, they were shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas.
Historians estimate that Angola was the departure point for more than 5 million enslaved Africans, nearly half of all those transported across the ocean. Many were sent to Louisiana in the United States. This history connects to the pope’s Louisiana Creole ancestry. Born Robert Francis Prevost, his family tree includes both enslaved people and slaveholders.
During his prayer, the pope addressed the lasting impact of the exploitation once supported by Vatican policies in the 15th century. His visit follows the Church’s formal rejection of the Doctrine of Discovery in March 2023. The doctrine had long been used to justify European colonialism and the enslavement of non-Christian peoples.
By praying at a site closely linked to the slave trade, the pope aimed to acknowledge past wrongdoing and encourage healing. Church leaders in Angola said they hope the visit will strengthen efforts to promote peace and social justice.
The visit also highlighted Africa’s growing importance to the global Catholic Church. The pope called on people to build a more inclusive world, free from conflict, corruption, and inequality.
By confronting the Church’s past while recognizing the resilience of its followers, the pope emphasized that reconciliation requires honesty. His visit to Muxima underscored the idea that a more just future depends on understanding history.
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1778477710/1613367592
1. Where did the pope reflect on slave trade history during visit?
2. What historical role did the church site play during slave trade?
3. How is the pope personally connected to the slave trade history?
4. What message did the pope emphasize about reconciliation and justice?
1. Why is acknowledging historical wrongdoing important for global communities today?
2. Do you think symbolic visits can help heal historical wounds effectively?
3. How can leaders address difficult historical issues responsibly today?
4. What actions promote a more inclusive and fair global society?
On April 19, Pope Leo XIV prayed at a historic Catholic shrine in Angola, reflecting on the “sorrow and great suffering” endured by generations of Angolans during the transatlantic slave trade.
During his prayer, the pope addressed the lasting impact of the exploitation once supported by Vatican policies in the 15th century. His visit follows the Church’s formal rejection of the Doctrine of Discovery in March 2023. The doctrine had long been used to justify European colonialism and the enslavement of non-Christian peoples.
