Pope Leo XIV is set to begin an 11-day tour of Africa on Monday, April 13, marking his first major international trip since becoming head of the Catholic Church last year. The visit will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, covering more than 18,000 kilometres.
The Vatican said the trip comes at a time of global uncertainty and will focus on themes including interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, inequality, and human rights. During the journey, the 70-year-old pontiff is expected to deliver 11 speeches, celebrate seven Masses, and visit multiple locations before returning on April 23.
In Algeria, where Islam is the state religion, Pope Leo XIV will become the first pontiff to visit the country. His itinerary includes a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and a trip to Annaba, linked to the Augustinian order. Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco described the visit as “a brother who comes to visit his brothers,” while rights groups have urged the pope to address concerns about religious freedom.
In Cameroon, the focus will be on peace and reconciliation, particularly in the conflict-affected English-speaking northwest. The pope is expected to visit Bamenda, the epicentre of the crisis, and meet President Paul Biya. He will also visit Catholic institutions such as hospitals and schools, reflecting the Church’s strong presence in the country.
The Angola leg of the tour is expected to highlight economic justice and inequality in a nation rich in oil and mineral resources but still grappling with widespread poverty. The pope is likely to call for fairer distribution of wealth and stronger anti-corruption measures. However, some citizens have criticised the cost of hosting the visit, with one resident, Rosa Kanga, saying it would “represent nothing” while draining public funds without clear benefits.
In Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV will visit under the leadership of long-serving President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. With a large Catholic population, expectations are that he will address human rights and social justice while maintaining a careful diplomatic balance.
This will be his third foreign trip outside Italy, following earlier visits to Turkey, Lebanon, and Monaco, and is expected to underscore the Vatican’s growing engagement with key political and social issues across Africa.