The “white smoke” announcement was met with great passion in Angola. On various digital platforms, many descrie the new Bishop of Rome as a defender of social justice, discreet, focused on inclusion, migration, the peripheries, and a reformer aligned with Pope Francis.
Represented by the Archbishop of Saurimo and CEAST President Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, the Angolan Church, stated that the election of Pope Leo XIV was most welcome. He added that the new Pope’s profile is well-suited to address the challenges of our times.
Also, Archbishop Imbamba said that the Bishops of CEAST will soon have the opportunity to meet the new Pope during their upcoming ad limina visit, in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV was elected as new Leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday 8 May, 2025 by 133 Cardinals in a Conclave that began on Wednesday 7 May, 2025 inside the enclosed Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Rome, Italy.
Black Smoke was seen from the Chimney of the Chapel on Wednesday evening and on Thursday morning, before White Smoke billowed on Thursday evening indicating the election of a new Pope as successor to Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed on Easter Monday, 21 April, 2025 at the age of eighty-eight (88).
