LUANDA, Angola — Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to Angola underscored Africa’s growing significance to the Catholic Church, but also highlighted rising challenges as Pentecostal and evangelical denominations rapidly expand across the continent.

In the days preceding the Pope’s arrival in Luanda, the Angolan capital, widespread anticipation was palpable, with crowds sporting T-shirts bearing his image in preparation for his welcome. Yet among some locals, enthusiasm was tempered by shifting religious loyalties. Rosario Avelino Salvador, once a committed Catholic, now identifies as an evangelical Christian, reflecting a trend seen throughout Angola and wider Africa where many are turning from Catholicism to Pentecostal and charismatic churches.

Salvador’s journey echoes the broader religious transformation reshaping Africa. Over the past five decades, Christianity has grown substantially, with Catholics increasing from around 54 million in 1975 to approximately 271 million by last year, according to the World Christian Database. Simultaneously, Pentecostal and charismatic Protestant denominations have surged even more rapidly, expanding from 23 million adherents in 1975 to more than 252 million in 2025. These churches emphasize vibrant worship, personal conversion experiences, and spiritual gifts such as healing and speaking in tongues.

Experts note that Pentecostal churches’ decentralized structures allow them to grow faster than Catholic parishes, which require ordained priests and hierarchical approvals. Moreover, Pentecostal services often feature lively worship and embrace the prosperity gospel—the belief that faith can bring material wealth—an approach that resonates in communities grappling with economic hardship.

Angola, with a population around 40 million, remains home to one of Africa’s oldest Catholic communities stemming from its colonial history under Portugal. However, Catholic leaders express concern over the shift toward evangelical churches. Bishop Maurício Camuto mentioned that while many seek a relationship with God, some pastors in Pentecostal movements present themselves as providers of all solutions, potentially misleading followers.

Representatives from the Church of the Kingdom of God in Angola, an evangelical church with roots in Brazil, acknowledge the appeal of prosperity but stress that salvation is paramount. Alberto Segunda, a former Catholic and current leader of the church, stated that although material blessings are important for some congregants, spiritual salvation remains the core message.

Sunday services at Pentecostal churches on Luanda’s outskirts often feature energetic music and dancing, along with calls for monetary donations. Some attendees share experiences of generosity within the church community, while others have grown wary of financial demands. Diógenes Godinho, who attended the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God for eight years, described witnessing donations of money, cars, and homes by members expecting blessings in return. After years of participation and significant personal contributions, he eventually left the church, though not returning to Catholicism.

Pentecostal churches in Angola and elsewhere in Africa have faced scrutiny. The Angolan government closed Universal Church of the Kingdom of God locations in 2020 amid corruption allegations against Brazilian leadership. Though these churches later reopened under new management, concerns about financial transparency persist. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church continues to confront its own institutional challenges, including handling of abuse scandals and financial opacity.

Religious experts observe that while Pentecostalism’s promises of material prosperity can attract followers, this emphasis may lead to “spiritual blindness” when expectations go unfulfilled. Many Pentecostal leaders attempt to redirect focus toward deeper spiritual teachings.

Despite religious fragmentation, elements of Catholicism remain culturally embedded even among converts. Several former Catholics attending Pentecostal services expressed ongoing affinity for Catholic traditions, though they often criticized Catholic clergy for limited Bible engagement and perceived formality.

As Africa emerges as a key locus of Christian growth and contestation, the competition between established Catholic institutions and dynamic Pentecostal movements continues to shape the continent’s religious future.