Pope Leo XIV to Embark on Extensive Apostolic Journey to Africa, Monaco, and Spain

Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV has announced a series of Apostolic Journeys encompassing visits to Africa, the Principality of Monaco, and Spain, signaling a significant period of international engagement for the pontiff. The journeys, detailed in statements released by the Holy See Press Office, will span several months and underscore the Pope’s commitment to dialogue and pastoral care across diverse communities.

Papal Visit to Africa: A First for Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first pastoral visit to the African continent from April 13-23, 2026. The 11-day journey will include stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The Vatican announced the trip in response to invitations from the respective heads of state and ecclesiastical authorities.

The itinerary includes:

• Algeria (April 13-15): Visits to Algiers and Annaba.
• Cameroon (April 15-18): Visits to Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala.
• Angola (April 18-21): Visits to Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo.
• Equatorial Guinea (April 21-23): Visits to Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata.

Vatican officials have indicated that the detailed program for the African journey will be published at a later date. Vatican News highlights the trip as a journey in memory of Saint Augustine and a focus on developing countries, with particular attention to the needs of the poor.

Brief Visit to Monaco

Prior to the African tour, Pope Leo XIV will create a one-day Apostolic Journey to the Principality of Monaco on March 28, 2026, following an invitation from the Head of State and the Archbishop of Monaco. The Holy See Press Office confirmed this visit, stating that the program will be released in due course.

Apostolic Journey to Spain

Concluding the series of announced journeys, Pope Leo XIV will visit Spain from June 6-12, 2026. The trip, spanning six days, will include visits to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands archipelago. The Vatican stated that this journey similarly comes at the invitation of the Head of State and Ecclesiastical Authorities, with the program to be published later.

Significance of the Journeys

These Apostolic Journeys represent a significant commitment by Pope Leo XIV to engage with diverse populations and address pressing global issues. The visits to Africa, in particular, mark a key moment in the pontiff’s outreach to the continent, while the trips to Monaco and Spain demonstrate a continued focus on strengthening relationships with European nations. The journeys follow Pope Leo’s previous visit to Türkiye and Lebanon at the end of 2025 and planned pastoral visits within Italy.