Pope Leo XIV visits Angola’s Muxima Shrine, recalls centuries of suffering

Pope Leo XIV visited the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Angola on Sunday, 19 April 2026^[2], and prayed at the historic slave‑trade shrine.

The visit shines a spotlight on Angola’s painful legacy of the trans‑Atlantic slave trade and comes as the Catholic Church faces renewed scrutiny over its historical ties to the institution of slavery. By recalling the “sorrow and great suffering” endured by generations of Africans, the pontiff seeks to acknowledge that past while urging contemporary leaders to confront present‑day injustices.

The Muxima Shrine, once a bustling hub for the capture and shipment of enslaved people, now draws pilgrims and tourists alike. An estimated 100,000 people gathered for the ceremony^[1], filling the riverbank with flags and candles as the Pope led a Mass and offered prayers for the ancestors.

During the service Pope Leo XIV said, “sorrow and great suffering,” echoing the anguish of those forced onto ships centuries ago. He said, “We must fight the scourge of corruption with a culture of justice,” calling on Angolans to reject graft and build transparent institutions.

Local clergy said the shrine has become a place of reconciliation and education. Father João Mendes said the Pope’s words “give hope to those who still feel the wounds of history” and reinforce the Church’s role in promoting social justice.

The visit also fits into a broader pattern of papal outreach to regions grappling with colonial legacies. By publicly acknowledging the Church’s indirect involvement in the slave trade, Pope Leo XIV aligns with recent Vatican efforts to confront uncomfortable chapters of its past and promote healing.

The Muxima site, located on the Kwanza River, was a key departure point for tens of thousands of enslaved Africans bound for the Americas. Historians estimate that between the 16th and 19th centuries, the region accounted for a sizable share of the Portuguese‑controlled slave traffic. Today, the shrine houses a small museum that documents the journeys and preserves oral histories passed down through generations.

President João Lourenço said the visit reinforces Angola’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. He said the government will strengthen anti‑corruption measures in line with the pontiff’s call.

**What this means**: The pilgrimage underscores a growing willingness among global religious leaders to address historic injustices and link them to current challenges such as corruption. For Angola, the Pope’s endorsement may bolster domestic anti‑corruption campaigns and encourage further investment in preserving sites that bear witness to the slave trade’s human toll.