Luanda, Angola – Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda is at the center of preparations for a historic moment in Angola as it prepares to host a meeting with bishops, priests, women and men religious and catechists during the planned apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV April 18-21.
The encounter on April 20 thrusts the parish, run by members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap), into the spotlight, drawing attention from across the country and the world.
For Father Diogo Messias, pastor of the parish, the selection of Our Lady of Fatima as host is both an honor and a deeply spiritual moment for the local church.
“The visit of the Holy Father to our community is a moment of great importance, joy and pride for all the faithful,” he said in an interview with ACI Africa, EWTN News’ sister service in Africa, on March 18.
“The presence of the Pope is a blessing for our parish and for all of Angola,” he said. “This visit is a historic moment, and our parish being chosen for this meeting is a cause for joy and renewal for our community.”
Father Diogo Messias is pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda in Angola. | Credit: Photo courtesy of ACI Africa
As the largest Capuchin brotherhood in Angola, the parish has become a hub of activity, with preparations focused on ensuring that the venue is ready to welcome the hundreds of Church leaders and participants expected for the encounter.
“Preparations are focused both inside and outside the church,” Messias said. Visual work includes improvements to the courtyard, sidewalks and benches. However, the essential part is the interior, where the meeting with the Holy Father will take place.
The infrastructure of the parish is old, but efforts are underway to enhance the space and ensure that it reflects the dignity of the occasion.
“It is not a case of serious degradation, but we want to give dignity to the Capuchin House and a place of prayer for the faithful. Every touch and detail matters,” the priest said.
Preparations are underway both inside and outside Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda, Angola, in preparation for the historic apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV April 18-21, 2026. Credit: Photo courtesy of ACI Africa
Renovation works include painting, structural repairs and adapting the church to accommodate the expected influx of participants. Also, improvements are continuing in the surrounding areas, particularly in Largo Rainha Ginga, where access roads and walkways are being upgraded.
“These works are aimed at improving access and mobility for all and increasing the attendance of the Church which will welcome the Pope on April 20,” Messias said.
Beyond the logistics, Messias underlined the importance of the gathering, calling it a moment that brings together the entire Church in Angola and beyond.
“The meeting with the Holy Father involves the entire Church of Angola, including religious sisters, catechists and members of other dioceses and neighboring countries such as São Tomé,” he said. “This event will have national and international impact, showing the unity of the Church and the richness of Angolan culture.”
While the parish prepares physically, emphasis is placed on spiritual renewal for those who will participate in the encounter.
“Despite the great mobilization, the most important thing is the experience of renewal for all those present. Those who participate will be strengthened in spirit, committed to the community, and inspired to live the values of fraternity and respect,” Messias said.
The April 20 meeting is expected to be one of the defining moments of the Pope’s visit to Angola, providing a unique opportunity for direct engagement with Church leaders and pastoral agents.
“Bishops, women and men religious and catechists in Angola expect Pope Leo XIV to bring a message focused on unity, hope and community commitment,” Messias said.
He said the visit is widely seen as an opportunity for deep reflection and renewal within the Church.
Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda, Angola will host Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with Church leaders during the Pope’s planned apostolic visit on April 18-21, 2026. Credit: Photo courtesy of ACI Africa
“The Holy Father’s visit is seen as a moment that goes beyond a simple meeting, understood as an opportunity for internal renewal,” he said, adding that it is hoped that the Holy Father’s message will help consecrated persons to renew their vocation, strengthen their dedication to service, and play with greater responsibility their role in the life of the Church and country.
Meanwhile, local community members are playing an active role in the preparations. Among them is David Afonso, a young carpenter who is overseeing the restoration of the church’s benches.
“Working to receive the Holy Father is a huge responsibility and we are doing our best to ensure that everything is in good condition,” he said.
Although Afonso is not Catholic, he expressed pride in contributing to the preparations.
He said, “It is a pleasure to take part in such a big event. Every detail matters, and we want the venue to be worthy and memorable for all loyalists and visitors.”
this was the story First published by ACI AfricaEWTN News’ sister service in Africa, and is adapted from EWTN News.
