Angola’s Catholic Bishops have formally denied any involvement in a recent civil society campaign calling for the cancellation of a friendly football match between Angola and Argentina. The controversy arose after an open letter, dated August 19, was circulated by several civil society organizations, urging the Argentine Football Association, the Argentina national team, and the Lionel Messi Foundation to reconsider their participation in the match. The letter cited alleged human rights abuses by the Angolan government and criticized the use of public funds for the event amid widespread poverty and repression.
The letter referenced the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), prompting the bishops to issue a public clarification. In their statement released on August 22, CEAST emphasized that the matter had never been discussed in any of their meetings and that official documents from the conference are always signed and sealed by one of its members. The bishops stressed that they were not part of the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to spiritual leadership and unity, particularly during the ongoing Jubilee of Hope celebrations.
By distancing themselves from the campaign, the bishops sought to preserve the integrity of their institution and avoid being drawn into political disputes. Their response highlights the delicate balance religious leaders often navigate between moral advocacy and political neutrality. As Angola prepares to host the high-profile match, the episode underscores the tensions between civil society activism and state-sponsored events, especially in contexts where public accountability and resource allocation are under scrutiny.