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Pope tours Africa, heads to Italy; church lands disputed.

4/25/2026

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Summary

Pope Leo Visits

Pope Leo XIV visited Angola’s Shrine of Mama Muxima, then toured Equatorial Guinea’s officials and prison, concluding with a Mass urging joy.
He will travel to Naples and Pompeii on May 8.
A Mass at Pope Francis’s tomb in Rome marked the anniversary of his death and read his message.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced Israeli settlers’ encroachment on Church lands in the West Bank, saying authorities are pursuing responsible.

Summary

Francis Concert

Buenos Aires staged a concert at Plaza de Mayo for Pope Francis, drawing 100,000 attendees.
City lit the Obelisco with “No one saves themselves alone,” keeping it lit through night.
Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni led a mass in Basílica de Luján as Vice President Victoria Villarruel withdrew.
The Argentine Episcopal Conference urged a missionary Church as Cardinal Angelo Acerbi celebrated a mass at Casa Santa Marta recalling Francis’s presence.

History

Historical Context

John Paul II’s 1978 election— the first non-Italian pope since 1522— launched a pattern of high-visibility pilgrimages, as he visited 129 nations and drew massive crowds. That model underpins today’s large gatherings for Pope Francis in Buenos Aires and Pope Leo XIV’s African tour, showing the Vatican’s continued use of public spectacles to reinforce its global presence.

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Pope Leo Visits

Pope Leo XIV visited Angola’s Shrine of Mama Muxima, then toured Equatorial Guinea’s officials and prison, concluding with a Mass urging joy.
He will travel to Naples and Pompeii on May 8.
A Mass at Pope Francis’s tomb in Rome marked the anniversary of his death and read his message.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced Israeli settlers’ encroachment on Church lands in the West Bank, saying authorities are pursuing responsible.

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