Pope Leo XIV Reflects at Angola's Muxima Shrine of Healing

On his Africa tour, Pope Leo XIV visited the revered Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Muxima, a site profoundly linked to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, emphasizing a message of healing, justice, and hope.

This historic shrine, established in the late 16th century by Portuguese colonizers, served as a significant baptismal site for enslaved Africans prior to their harrowing 100-kilometer trek to Luanda's ports, where millions were transported to the Americas.

Estimates indicate that over 5 million individuals were forcibly taken from Angola during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, marking it as one of the most significant departure points in this grim chapter of history.

During his time there, the Pope prayed the Rosary within the church, addressing a large crowd of worshippers outside. Without directly mentioning slavery, he alluded to the “sorrow and great suffering” borne by past generations, calling for a commitment to build “a better and more just world devoid of war, injustice, and poverty.”

The significance of this visit resonates deeply, particularly as the Vatican has begun to confront the adverse impacts of colonial ideologies. In 2023, the Holy See officially renounced the “Doctrine of Discovery,” a principle that previously justified colonial exploitation.

Experts view the Muxima shrine as emblematic of both faith and historical pain. Religious historian Christopher J. Kellerman noted that 15th-century papal decrees had sanctioned the enslavement of non-Christians, contributing to centuries of exploitation.

Adding a poignant layer, genealogical insights suggest that Pope Leo XIV has connections to both enslaved individuals and slaveholders in the United States, highlighting the intricate legacy of slavery.

This visit forms part of an extensive 11-day apostolic journey throughout Africa, where the Pope is emphasizing tranquility, social justice, and the strengthening of faith communities.

For numerous African Catholics, this moment symbolizes an opportunity for introspection and healing—recognizing historical wrongs while aspiring for a more inclusive future.