Cardinal Júlio Duarte Langa, Bishop emeritus of Xai-Xai (Mozambique), was born on 27 October 1927 in Mangunze, Mozambique.

He studied in the seminaries of Magude and Namaacha in the then-archdiocese of Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).

He was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) on 9 June 1957.

He served as deputy parish priest and subsequently parish priest in the mission of Malaisse, and was appointed as consultor, member of the presbyteral council and vicar general of the diocese. He edited the translation of the texts of Vatican Council II into local languages.

On 31 May 1976, Pope Paul VI appointed him as bishop of the diocese of João Belo, which was renamed Xai-Xai on 1 October of the same year. He received episcopal consecration on 24 October 1976. He guided the diocese until 24 June 2004, for twenty-eight years which were marked by a long civil war, followed by the country’s independence in 1992.  During his ministry he placed great emphasis on the church in places which were in particular need, struck by epidemics or natural disasters.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 14 February 2015, of the Title of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata.

He is the second Cardinal of Mozambique.