Pope Leo XIV Announces Apostolic Journeys to Africa, Europe

Pope Leo XIV will embark on a series of Apostolic Journeys in the coming months, including a ten-day visit to four African nations – Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea – in April. He will likewise visit Monaco in March and Spain in June, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.

African Journey: A Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Saint Augustine

The Pope’s trip to Africa, scheduled from April 13th to 23rd, will begin in Algeria, where he will visit Algiers and Annaba, following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine of Hippo. He will then travel to Cameroon, with stops in Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala. The journey will continue to Angola, with visits to Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo, before concluding in Equatorial Guinea, where he will visit Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata. Vatican News reported the details of the itinerary.

This trip will focus on peace and will touch upon two developing countries, with particular attention given to the needs of the poor and those who care for them.

First Visit to Algeria and Significance for the Church

The Pope’s visit to Algeria will be the first by a pope, despite the country having a predominantly Muslim population. He previously expressed his desire to visit Algeria, citing its importance as the birthplace of Saint Augustine. BBC News notes that the pontiff belongs to the Augustinian religious order and has advocated for interfaith dialogue in the North African country.

European Visits: Monaco and Spain

Prior to the African journey, Pope Leo XIV will produce a one-day visit to the Principality of Monaco at the end of March. In June, he will spend six days in Spain, visiting Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands archipelago.

Continuing a Pattern of Global Pilgrimages

These upcoming journeys follow Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journeys to Türkiye and Lebanon at the end of 2025, and planned pastoral visits within Italy, including a trip to Lampedusa. The Vatican has indicated that these trips represent a continuation of the Pope’s commitment to global engagement and outreach.

Africa’s Growing Importance to the Catholic Church

As noted by the BBC, Africa is home to approximately 20% of the world’s Catholic population, highlighting the continent’s increasing significance to the Church. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, previously stated that a papal visit to Africa would offer hope to those suffering in crisis situations.