Pope Leo XIV Announces Landmark Africa Tour
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undertake his first major tour of Africa in April, a visit expected to focus on conflict resolution, social justice and efforts to promote equality across the continent.
The head of the Catholic Church will travel to four countries during the multi-day journey. These include Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. According to the Vatican, the tour will feature seven Masses and 11 official speeches, reflecting the Pope’s emphasis on prayer alongside diplomacy and engagement with political and community leaders.
The visit begins on April 13 in Algiers, where Pope Leo XIV will meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He is also scheduled to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, marking the first time a pope will visit Algeria.
In Cameroon, the Pope is expected to hold discussions with President Paul Biya and travel to the conflict-affected city of Bamenda. The region has experienced a prolonged separatist crisis for nearly a decade, and the Pope is anticipated to deliver a strong message calling for peace and dialogue.
The Angola leg of the tour will highlight social justice concerns, including corruption, inequality and resource-related disputes. While in the capital, Luanda, Pope Leo XIV will meet with diplomats and visit religious and social institutions as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and community support.
The trip will conclude in Equatorial Guinea, where the Pope is scheduled to visit Malabo, Mongomo and Bata. His programme includes meetings with clergy, a visit to a technology school and prayers at a memorial dedicated to victims of a 2021 explosion.
This will be his third international trip since being elected in 2025. Church officials say the tour underscores the Vatican’s continued focus on Africa, where interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding and social inequality remain central themes of the Pope’s global mission. The visit is expected to draw wide attention from both religious and political leaders across the continent.
