Church of Our Lady of Muxima

The Church of Our Lady of Muxima, located in Muxima, Angola, is a Catholic church constructed by Portuguese colonizers in the late 16th century. It was originally part of a fortress complex and became a significant center within the African slave trade. The church is newsworthy due to Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit as part of his 11-day apostolic journey to Africa in April 2026. This visit is significant because it highlights the church's complex history intertwined with colonialism and slavery. The Pope's visit prompts reflection on this difficult past and its ongoing relevance in contemporary Angola and the broader context of the Catholic Church's historical involvement in the slave trade. The event underscores the need for acknowledging and addressing the legacies of slavery and colonialism.