Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first major international tour of Africa, beginning Monday, with visits scheduled to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
The 11-day trip, which will span more than 18,000 kilometres, marks a significant moment in his papacy since assuming leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics last year. During the visit, the 70-year-old pontiff is expected to deliver 11 speeches, preside over seven masses, and visit multiple religious and cultural sites across the continent.
His itinerary reflects a broad agenda, including interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, inequality, and human rights—issues expected to feature prominently in his engagements.
In Algeria, where Islam is the state religion, the pope will make history as the first pontiff to visit the country. He is scheduled to tour the Great Mosque of Algiers, meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and engage with members of the Augustinian order in Annaba. He will also hold a private prayer session in honour of clergy killed during the country’s civil war.
The visit to Cameroon is expected to focus on peace and reconciliation, particularly in the conflict-ridden English-speaking northwest region. The pope will visit Bamenda, a major centre of unrest, where he will hold a mass under tight security. He is also expected to meet President Paul Biya and visit Catholic institutions involved in healthcare and education.
In Angola, attention will shift to socio-economic concerns. Despite its vast natural resources, the country continues to face widespread poverty. The pope is expected to address issues of inequality, corruption, and fair distribution of wealth. His visit will include stops in Luanda and the historic religious site of Muxima.
The final leg of the trip will take him to Equatorial Guinea, where he is likely to address sensitive issues surrounding governance, human rights, and social justice. The visit is expected to require a careful balance between supporting local Catholics and avoiding perceptions of political endorsement.
The tour, which ends on April 23, is seen as a defining moment in the early phase of Pope Leo’s leadership on the global stage.
