Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
Pope Leo XIV is on the third leg of a four-nation African tour, after stops in Algeria and Cameroon, and with Equatorial Guinea still to come later this week.
In Angola's capital, Luanda, he was welcomed by President Joao Lourenco, as people gathered at the airport waving Angolan and Vatican flags to catch a glimpse of the Pontiff.
Traditional dancers performed, children presented flowers, and clergy gathered to greet him on the tarmac.
The visit carries particular weight in a country still shaped by a civil war that ended in 2002.
In his address to Angolan authorities, the Pope spoke directly about power, inequality and the country’s future.
Pope Leo warned leaders against exploiting their people and called for unity and responsibility.
"Angola can grow greatly if, first of all, you who hold authority in the country believe in the many-sided richness of its wealth. Do not fear differences, nor stifle the visions of the young and the dreams of the elderly. Rather, know how to manage conflicts, transforming them into paths of renewal. Place the common good above sectional interests, never confusing your own part with the whole. Then history will vindicate you, even if, in the immediate present, some are hostile to you."
Luanda resident Odete Gabriel says that message is personal and that seeing the pope in person was moving.
"As Angolan people, we find ourselves very cheerful, very joyful indeed. We were able to see our pope at airport Quatro de Fevereiro right now face to face. We were very moved. The emotion is such that we hope that our pope will bring us a message. Messages of peace, so that we can all put this message into practice."
And for Donald Trump, the Pope's recent statements about there being a need for dialogue in times of disagreement rather than resorting to armed conflict, was personal.
Here is what President Trump had to say about Leo last week.
"I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime. He is a man that doesn't think that we should be toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world. I'm not a fan of Pope Leo."
And more recently:
"The pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree. I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. If they do, the whole world would be at jeopardy. The Middle East will be blown up, and the whole world will be at jeopardy. The Pope has to understand Iran has killed more than 42,000 people over the last few months. Think of it, protesters without guns, without anything. They were totally unarmed protesters. The Pope has to understand that."
Pope Leo has made it clear he is not interested in a political exchange with Mr Trump.
"Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said… as if I was trying to debate, again, the president, which is not in my interest at all… we continue proclaiming the Gospel message… looking for ways to promote justice in our world, to promote peace in our world."
Instead, he says he will keep focusing on peace and justice.
Meanwhile, a very different scene in Argentina, one that transcends politics.
In Buenos Aires, thousands gathered in Plaza de Mayo for a tribute to Pope Francis who passed away a year ago on the 21st of April - led by a Portuguese priest who also happens to be a world renowned D-J.
The event blended techno music with religious imagery and messages of peace.
Padre Guilherme is best known for his live sets, that include this track.
Not quite what you hear at Mass.
Concertgoer Jesus Martin says the mix of music and faith makes religion feel more accessible.
"If we have to compare it to Solomon or David Guetta, maybe it's a notch below in terms of music quality, but it's very good. I like it a lot. And it's phenomenal, from a religious perspective, if you will, I think it's a good way to connect. Religion doesn't have to be something opaque and distant, I think it's great the (what Pope Francis said) "make noise" and be with the people. Honestly, I think it's a good idea."
In Angola, a call for peace.
In Washington, a very different tone.
And in Buenos Aires, a reminder that sometimes music brings people together in ways maybe neither politics nor religion can.
