Angolan Politician Says Audience with Pope Leo XIV Renewed His Commitment to Serve

The Angolan politician said the meeting reminded Catholic legislators that political authority derives its dignity from its commitment to justice, peace and human dignity.

“Listening to his word, in the light of the Gospel, is a reminder that power only finds its true dignity when it places itself at the service of the human person, justice, peace, and the common good,” he said.

The UNITA leader described political responsibility as inseparable from his Christian faith, saying Catholic laypeople involved in public service have a particular responsibility to place people at the center of their political engagement.

“For us, Catholic laypeople called to serve the people, this is a responsibility that cannot be separated from faith,” he said.

Costa Júnior said the encounter with Pope Leo XIV came at a particularly important moment for Angola, as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

“This meeting happens at a particularly demanding moment for Angola, one year before the elections. It is, therefore, also a time for self-examination and commitment,” he said.

The UNITA leader called for a political culture centered on service, hope and fraternity, warning against practices that undermine the welfare of citizens.

“We are called to humanize politics, to make it an instrument of hope, fraternity, and love for one’s neighbor, where corruption, bad governance, arrogance, and indifference toward the suffering of the most vulnerable have no place,” he said.

The Angolan politician concluded his reflection by asking God to grant political leaders the qualities needed to serve citizens responsibly.

“May God grant us wisdom, humility, and courage to make politics a path of service and of building a more just, free, and fraternal Angola,” he implored.