Speaking to TV Girassol on Thursday, March 12, Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda urged both government and Church authorities to expedite the approval process so that preparations for the Papal visit can proceed with the dignity, security, and broad participation expected of such an occasion.
“Without the timely release of financial resources, several essential actions for the Pope’s visit are at risk,” Bishop Chissengueti said.
He emphasized that the budget is central to the coordination of logistical arrangements required for a large-scale event of this nature. “The release of the budget is crucial for the mobilization of human and material resources, including the coordination and logistics of transportation, food, and accommodation for delegations and participants,” he added.
The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) noted that the visit of Pope Leo XIV is not only a religious event but also carries the character of a State visit, requiring close collaboration between the Church and government institutions.
“Part of the plans includes the mobilization of thousands of Catholic scouts, whose coordination depends entirely on the resources provided in the budget, so that they can assist the public, organize the spaces and support security at the places of celebration and meetings with the Holy Father,” he said.
The participation of Catholic scouts, Bishop Chissengueti went on to say, depends heavily on the availability of funds outlined in the budget.
He continued, “The preparation of the celebration sites, such as the spaces in Luanda, Saurimo, and the Sanctuary of Muxima, requires infrastructure works and logistics that cannot be postponed.”
According to the Catholic Church leader, these locations require infrastructure improvements and extensive logistical planning, which cannot be postponed.
“Without a clear budget forecast, there is a risk of delays that could affect the reception of the faithful and the liturgical organization of the scheduled events,” he said, warning that “the delay in the budget may compromise the fulfillment of the official program, which includes Masses, meetings with civil and religious authorities, and moments of communal prayer.”
Bishop Chissengueti underscored the need for coordinated action between the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), government authorities, and organizing committees to ensure that all preparations are completed on time.
Despite these concerns, Bishop Chissengueti sought to reassure the public that the Church remains committed to accountable management of any resources allocated for the event. He stated that preparations would proceed “with transparency and responsibility in the management of resources, ensuring that any funds received for the visit will be accounted for to society and to the faithful.”
The General Coordinator of the Papal visit to Angola also stressed the importance of clear communication and coordinated institutional promotion of the visit of Pope Leo XIV, noting that effective public engagement would be essential for mobilizing participation and ensuring that the significance of the papal visit is widely understood across Angola.
“It is important to ensure communication and institutional dissemination of the visit, with press points and structured information channels established in advance, so that the message of the event reaches not only Catholics in Angola but the entire continent and the global Catholic community,” he said.
According to Bishop Chissengueti, “The coming of the Pope represents a privileged moment of encounter between faith, society and civil authorities, inviting the entire population to participate actively and welcome the message of peace and hope brought by the Holy Father.”
He said CEAST members have called on Catholics to give their best in preparing for the visit.
“The participation of each local Christian community contributes to the spiritual and organizational success of the event,” Bishop Chissengueti said.
He encouraged companies, social institutions, and community organizations to support the logistics and hospitality efforts so that the event may reflect unity and strengthen the faith of Angolans during what he described as a historic moment in the life of the Church in the country.