Pope Leo XIV Announces Apostolic Journeys to Africa, Spain, and Monaco

Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV will embark on a series of Apostolic Journeys in the coming months, visiting Monaco, four African nations – Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea – and Spain, the Holy See Press Office announced on February 25, 2026. Vatican News and InfoVaticana confirmed the schedule, responding to formal invitations from heads of state and ecclesiastical authorities.

Monaco Visit – March 28

The first leg of Pope Leo XIV’s travels will be a one-day visit to the Principality of Monaco on March 28, preceding Holy Week. This marks the first papal visit to Monaco in the modern era. The Vatican noted the Pope’s desire to respond to repeated invitations from Monegasque authorities, continuing a dialogue between civil institutions and the Church, and recognizing the Principality’s commitment to peace.

Ten-Day African Journey – April 13-23

From April 13 to 23, Pope Leo XIV will undertake a ten-day visit to Africa, following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine. The itinerary includes:

• Algeria (April 13-15): Visits to Algiers and Annaba.
• Cameroon (April 15-18): Stops in Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala, including a visit to the Anglophone region experiencing ongoing civil conflict.
• Angola (April 18-21): Visits to Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo.
• Equatorial Guinea (April 21-23): Visits to Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata.

This journey will focus on peace and will address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Vatican News highlights the trip’s connection to Saint Augustine and its focus on developing nations.

Spain Visit – June 6-12

Pope Leo XIV will then travel to Spain from June 6 to 12, visiting Madrid and Barcelona. In Barcelona, he will inaugurate the newest and tallest tower of the Sagrada Familia basilica, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. InfoVaticana reports that the Pope will as well visit Tenerife and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands archipelago. This visit aligns with the wishes of Pope Francis, as previously expressed by the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo Cano.

A Diverse Pilgrimage

These Apostolic Journeys will grab Pope Leo XIV to a diverse range of countries and contexts, from Muslim-majority Algeria to nations with strong Christian traditions, and from the microstate of Monaco to the migratory routes of the Canary Islands. The Vatican emphasizes the opportunity to encounter different cultures and address contemporary challenges.