Pope Leo XIV led a Mass at the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Muxima, Angola, on Sunday, site once central to the African slave trade.

The visit matters because the shrine symbolizes a painful chapter of history; the Pope’s call to remember the victims and build a better world resonates across faiths and nations.

Built in the 16th century, the sanctuary served as a waypoint for enslaved Africans forced onto ships bound for the Americas, an era that left deep scars on the continent; today it draws pilgrims seeking forgiveness and healing.

During the Mass, the Pope walked among the faithful, blessed the altar, and offered prayers for the souls of those who suffered. He led a liturgy that blended traditional Catholic rites with local Angolan hymns.

Organizers estimated that about 100,000 people gathered for the event, making it one of the largest papal appearances in Africa this century[1].

"We must remember the sorrow and great suffering," the Pope said, urging the crowd to transform that memory into action. He added, "I ask you to build a 'better' world."

Father João Mendes, the shrine’s rector, said the ceremony marked a turning point for the community, emphasizing reconciliation and education about the slave trade’s legacy.

The Vatican’s outreach to Africa has intensified under Pope Leo XIV, who has visited several sub‑Saharan nations, aiming to strengthen local churches and address social challenges such as poverty and human trafficking.

Angolan President João Lourenço welcomed the Pope, noting that the visit underscores the country’s commitment to confronting its past while pursuing development and regional cooperation.

**What this means**: The Pope’s prayer at Mama Muxima highlights the Catholic Church’s effort to confront historical injustices and mobilize global faith communities around a shared commitment to remembrance and future‑focused compassion.

“"We must remember the sorrow and great suffering," the Pope said.”

The Pope’s prayer at Mama Muxima underscores a growing willingness among religious leaders to address historic wrongs, using symbolic sites to rally moral responsibility and inspire concrete steps toward reconciliation and social justice.