Pope Leo Condemns Resource Exploitation, Blasts ‘Despotic’ Leadership in Angola

Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticised the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, warning against leaders and powerful interests that enrich themselves while leaving citizens in poverty and despair.

Speaking on Saturday during a visit to Angola, the pope denounced what he described as “despots and tyrants” who make grand promises of prosperity but fail to deliver, resulting in widespread suffering and loss of lives.

Addressing political leaders, civil society and diplomats in the capital, Luanda, Leo warned against a system driven by extractive economic practices that prioritise profit over people.

“Too often, others look to your land only to take,” he said, lamenting the human and environmental toll of what he called the “logic of extractivism,” an apparent reference to foreign and domestic interests benefitting from Angola’s oil, diamond and emerging mineral sectors.

He urged leaders to break what he described as a cycle of exploitation that reduces both resources and human life to mere commodities, calling instead for governance that prioritises the welfare of all citizens rather than corporate or elite interests.

Despite being one of sub-Saharan Africa’s top oil producers, Angola continues to grapple with deep poverty.

According to global estimates, a significant portion of its population lives below the international poverty line, highlighting stark inequality in the resource-rich nation.

The Angolan visit marks the third stop on the pope’s ongoing Africa tour, which has seen him adopt an increasingly outspoken tone on global inequality, conflict and governance.

His itinerary spans multiple countries and cities across the continent in one of the most extensive papal trips in recent history.

Earlier in the day, Leo concluded a visit to Cameroon, where he celebrated a Mass attended by an estimated 200,000 people in Yaoundé. There, he delivered a message of hope amid ongoing conflict and hardship, urging citizens not to despair.

“In every storm, do not be afraid,” he told the crowd, encouraging resilience despite the region’s challenges.

The pope also sought to downplay reported tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that his earlier remarks about tyranny were not directed at any specific individual and that he had no interest in engaging in political disputes.

As his Africa tour continues, Leo’s message has remained consistent: a call for justice, equitable development, and leadership that serves the people rather than exploiting them.