The 16th-century church, built by Portuguese colonizers along the Kwanza River in Angola, formed part of a fortress complex that served as a staging point in the slave trade. Enslaved Africans were baptized there before being forced to march roughly 145 kilometers to Luanda, where they were shipped to the Americas.

Historians estimate that more than 5 million people departed from Angola, making it the largest single point of origin in the trans-Atlantic slave system.The Vatican’s early directives in the 15th century had authorized the enslavement of non-Christians, providing religious justification that intertwined Catholic expansion with colonial exploitation.

Over time, however, the Muxima site evolved into a major Catholic pilgrimage center after reports of an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the 19th century.Leo’s visit, part of an 11-day pastoral trip, is expected to include a Rosary prayer on the riverside esplanade near the church. While the Vatican has not confirmed whether the pope will directly address slavery, clergy in Angola view the visit as symbolically significant.

Rev. Celestino Epalanga of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola said the pope’s presence could help reframe the site’s meaning, transforming it from a place associated with suffering into one of spiritual renewal.The visit carries added resonance following revelations about Leo’s background.

The pontiff, born Robert Prevost in the United States, was found by a genealogical study to have Creole heritage, with ancestors in Louisiana identified as both enslaved individuals and slave owners. Historians note that some of the earliest enslaved Africans brought to Louisiana originated from Angola, creating a historical link between the region and the pope’s lineage.

Mariana Candido said the convergence of Leo’s heritage and the symbolic weight of Muxima presents a powerful moment for engagement with African Catholics. She added that the visit reflects an effort to align the Church more closely with local expressions of faith across the continent.

Analysts and clergy say Leo has been actively strengthening ties with Africa, including elevating African figures within the Church hierarchy. Stan Chu Ilo said the pope appears intent on addressing long-standing perceptions that Africa has been marginal within global Catholic leadership.Angola’s historical experience adds further context to the visit.

A former Portuguese colony until 1975, the country endured a prolonged civil war after independence that lasted nearly three decades and resulted in more than half a million deaths. Despite significant natural resources, including oil and diamonds, Angola continues to face challenges related to poverty, inequality and governance.

Opposition lawmaker Olivio Nkilumbo said he hoped the pope would use the visit to advocate for social justice and democratic reform, reflecting broader expectations among some Angolans that the Church can play a role in addressing contemporary political and economic issues.

The Vatican has indicated that themes of Leo’s Africa trip will include the exploitation of resources, corruption and governance, alongside pastoral outreach.

Church officials in Angola say they expect the visit to reinforce the institution’s role in promoting peace, reconciliation and social equity in a country still grappling with the legacies of slavery, colonialism and conflict.