At approximately 7.30 (local time) Pope Leo XIV arrived at Luanda International Airport where he took leave of some local authorities before departing at 8.03 for Saurimo, where he arrived at 9.16.
After being welcomed by some local leaders, the Pope transferred to the nursing home for the elderly in Saurimo.
Upon arrival, at around 9.59, the Holy Father was welcomed by the director of the home and a representative of the Ministry of Health, who accompanied him to the courtyard, where the residents and staff were present.
After the words of welcome from the director and some testimonies, including one from one of the elderly residents, the Pope delivered his greeting, followed by the blessing and the exchange of gifts.
At the end of the visit, at approximately 10.20, the Holy Father transferred to the esplanade for the celebration of Holy Mass, stopping en route for a brief visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, before changing vehicles and continuing in an open-top car.
The following is the greeting addressed by Pope Leo XIV to those present:
Address of the Holy Father
Madam Director,
Dear brothers and sisters,
Peace to this house and to all who live here!
I warmly thank you for your faith-filled welcome, which touched my heart. It is a great comfort to me as I carry out my mission. Thank you!
It struck me to learn that you call this place “lar,” which means “home.” I thank God for this, and I hope that all of you are truly able to live here in a family atmosphere as much as possible.
Jesus loved to be at the home of his friends. The Gospels tell us that he went to the house of Peter in Capernaum, where one day he healed Peter’s mother in law. They remind us of his friendship with Maria, Martha and Lazarus: in their home in Bethany, he was welcomed as Master and Lord and at the same time with familiarity.
Therefore, dear friends, I would like to think that Jesus also lives here, in this home. Yes, he dwells among you whenever you try to love one another and help one another as brothers and sisters. When you forgive each other and seek reconciliation after a misunderstanding or a small offense, he is here among you. When all of you, or even some of you, pray together with simplicity and humility, he is here among you.
I express my appreciation to the Angolan authorities for the initiatives that benefit the neediest among the elderly, as well as to all staff members and the volunteers. The care of the weakest is a very important sign of the quality of the social life of a nation. Let us not forget that the elderly are not only in need of assistance, but first and foremost need to be listened to, because they preserve the wisdom of a people.
Dear brothers and sisters, I will keep in my heart the memory of this encounter with you. May the Virgin Mary, who filled her home in Nazareth with faith and love, always keep watch over this community. I bless all of you. Thank you!
