In his March 8 homily at the closing Mass of the Week of Solidarity at St. Joseph Freinademetz Parish of his Episcopal See, Bishop Camuto emphasized the spiritual significance of the Holy Father’s April 18-21 visit to Angola.
“Pope Leo XIV is coming; let us not think only of political gain from his presence, but rather seek, above all, spiritual, moral, and social benefit from his teachings,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said.
Calling on Angolans to prepare spiritually for the Holy Father’s arrival, the Local Ordinary of Caxito appealed, “May every citizen and every leader prepare their hearts and minds to welcome this message from God. This visit is not a political event or an opportunity to display power.”
The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) described the Apostolic Visit of Pope Leo XIV as a moment of reflection and renewal for the Southern African nation.
“It is an opportunity to listen to the Word of God and to reflect on our faith, our lives, and our society. We must prepare ourselves to receive teachings that transform the spirit and not merely the outward appearance of things,” he said.
The Catholic Church leader also warned that Angolans should not repeat past mistakes by ignoring the messages delivered by previous Popes.
“In recent years, we failed to follow the teachings of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. They called for peace, reconciliation, and justice, but Angolans, especially politicians, let the messages enter one ear and leave through the other,” he said.
Bishop Camuto continued, “We cannot repeat the same errors with Leo XIV. We need the courage to listen and to obey.”
The 62-year-old Catholic Church leader described the Pope’s visit as both a blessing and a call to responsibility for the nation.
“The Pope’s visit is a blessing, but it is also a call to personal and collective responsibility,” he said, urging Angolans not to use the occasion for personal interests but rather as an opportunity for reflection and change.
He said, “Pope Leo XIV comes to teach, to correct, and to inspire. Let us take advantage of this opportunity with seriousness and with open hearts.”
Bishop Camuto further emphasized that the visit should help address the country’s spiritual needs and inspire moral renewal.
“The Pope’s visit is an opportunity to quench our spiritual thirst. We must seek truth, justice, love, and peace. Let us not turn his presence into a political spectacle, but rather welcome his teaching and practice charity in our families and in society,” he said.
Bishop Camuto also lamented that the guidance offered during previous papal visits had not been fully embraced.
“Pope John Paul II came and asked for reconciliation among families and communities, kissed our land, spoke about peace, and we did not listen. Benedict XVI, in 2009, spoke about the responsible use of wealth for the common good, and we did not achieve that,” he said.
“This visit of Leo XIV is an opportunity to redeem the mistakes of the past and truly learn,” he added.
The Catholic Bishop urged Angolans, including politicians and government leaders, to carefully listen to the Pope’s message during the April 18–21 visit and to apply it in their lives.
“Let every action and every decision be guided by ethics, morality, and love for one’s neighbor, and not by the pursuit of power or personal promotion,” he said.
According to Bishop Camuto, the true significance of the papal visit lies not in ceremonies or public displays, but in the spiritual transformation it can inspire.
“The true richness of the Pope’s visit is not in the stages or the decorated streets, but in the spiritual transformation each of us can achieve. Let us listen to his words, reflect on them, and allow ourselves to be guided by the light of Christ. Only then will the visit have a lasting effect on our society,” he said.
The Local Ordinary of Caxito called on Angolans to respond differently to the Pope’s message this time, saying, “Let us not be like those who received the words of previous Popes and returned to their old habits.”
“Each of us must do our part: listen, reflect, and act. Let politicians and leaders be the first to obey, to listen, and to practice Christian ethics and morality. Only then will we build an Angola of peace, love, and progress,” Bishop Camuto said.