Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) – “The Angolan people have reached a high level of civil and democratic maturity,” said Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento, Archbishop Emeritus of Luanda, in an interview on national radio in Angola, on the eve of the elections scheduled to take place September 5. These elections are being carefully observed, as they are the first to take place since the end of the civil war in 2002.
The Cardinal pointed out that “the elections are a normal step on the road to democracy” and that they should serve in “strengthening the nation.”
The Cardinal addressed all citizens in asking that they pay careful attention in the correct use of money and says that he sees the economic boom in the country as a grace from God, who has blessed Angola in giving it quality fuel, which is in high demand on the international market. “I am very grateful, as a religious priest, to Divine Providence that has given us this fuel in abundance. The rising costs of fuel is in itself something positive for us,” the Cardinal said.
Cardinal do Nascimento hopes that the newly acquired profits that are coming in as a result of the rise in fuel costs may be used in the best manner, first of all in meeting the needs of the future generations, for an equal distribution of wealth, especially favoring the weakest social classes. “We have been blessed by Divine Providence and we should learn to respond accordingly,” the Cardinal concluded.
In July, the Bishops published a message on the elections, in which they reaffirmed that “the Church does not back any specific political party,” and encouraged the faithful to participate in the vote, acting according to several basic guidelines in choosing a worthy candidate (see Fides 17/7/2008)
During the civil war, which lasted nearly 25 years, the Church was in the forefront, working for peace agreements and on several occasions she offered her services in making a mediation effort between the parties at war. In the late 90s, the Church’s voice was even stronger in openly calling for an end to the war and in fostering negotiations between the parties in conflict.
For this reason, as well, the Catholic Church is seen as playing a fundamental role for the majority of Angolans. According to a survey done by the BBC in March 2008, 78.3% of Angolans from 6 of the country’s provinces said they trusted primarily in the religious institutions (especially Catholic ones), followed by the mass media in second place, and Parliament in third. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 1/9/2008)
