Angola's Archbishop Imbamba on Family's Role in Faith
The week-long conference held at the Vatican from October 7 to October 14, 2026, convened around 200 presidents of national Bishops’ Conferences and patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches to mark the tenth annivers…
The week-long conference held at the Vatican from October 7 to October 14, 2026, convened around 200 presidents of national Bishops’ Conferences and patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches to mark the tenth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia. The Conference of Angola was represented by Archbishop Jose Manuel Imbamba, the Archbishop of Saurimo and the President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST).
Following several days of discussions centered on Pope Francis’ exhortation, the participants concluded their meetings under the theme, “Ten Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today.” This focal point emphasized the missionary vocation of Christian families, prompting critical reflections on their roles within society.
In remarks to Vatican News, Archbishop Imbamba highlighted the essential need to protect the dignity of families and to support those experiencing crises. He characterized Amoris Laetitia as “a reference document on conjugal love, marriage, and the family,” affirming its significance in reinforcing family values.
The Archbishop further elaborated on the family's importance as a foundational institution for imparting faith and cultural values. He stated, “We must recognize the need to safeguard the dignity of the family and preserve it as a privileged school of faith.” Emphasizing the family's role as a domestic Church, he underscored that it is a setting where sharing and solidarity can be cultivated.
In light of the myriad challenges that can threaten the integrity of family life today, Imbamba called for renewed efforts to support families, enabling them to fulfill their educational, spiritual, and humanitarian missions. He depicted the urgent necessity for a pastoral presence that is sensitive to the hardships families are facing, advocating for practical support that emphasizes the spiritual elements of family life.
The discussions at the conference contributed to a heightened awareness of the urgent need for collaboration alongside families as they navigate various difficulties and vulnerabilities. Archbishop Imbamba concluded by offering prayers for families, wishing for them to be acknowledged as vital societal resources and nurturing environments where love can flourish.
“May God bless all families, and may the world see in the family an opportunity, a school, a Church where life and love are possible,” he remarked.
