LUANDA, April 20 – Pope Leo XIV has sharply criticized the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, warning that such practices risk fueling instability and long-term social upheaval.
Speaking in Luanda, the pontiff said the continent has too often been treated as a source of extraction rather than a partner in shared prosperity. He warned that this “extractive logic” has led to suffering, environmental damage and inequality across many regions.
The pope called for a more balanced and ethical economic model, urging a system of coexistence that avoids what he described as forms of “enslavement” driven by powerful elites and profit-driven interests.
The remarks came during his ongoing tour of Africa, which began in Algeria, where he met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and emphasized reconciliation and peace.
He later visited Cameroon, calling for dialogue between separatist groups and the government in the country’s Anglophone regions.
The tour will conclude in Equatorial Guinea, where the pope is expected to continue his message on justice, peace and inclusive development.
His statements highlight growing global attention on how Africa’s vast natural resources are managed, and the need for more equitable systems that benefit local populations while supporting sustainable growth.
