Pope Leo XIV Sets Out on 11-Day Apostolic Journey Across Four African Nations

The Vatican has unveiled the official programme for Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Apostolic Journey to Africa, a significant 11-day visit spanning Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea from April 13 to 23, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City. The Pope left the Vatican on the 13rd for an 11-day trip that will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Photo Creative Commons

This marks the Pope’s third international trip outside Italy since the start of his pontificate. Following earlier visits to Türkiye and Lebanon in 2025, and ahead of a planned European stop in Monaco later this year, the journey highlights a continued focus on global outreach.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the packed itinerary includes 11 cities and features six formal greetings, ten addresses, and eight homilies.

First Stop: Algeria

The visit begins in Algiers on April 13, where Pope Leo XIV will pay tribute at the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument before meeting President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He will also address civil and diplomatic representatives and visit key religious and cultural sites, including the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.

On April 14, the Pope travels to Annaba—historically known as Hippo, home to St. Augustine—where he will visit an archaeological site, meet religious communities, and celebrate Mass.

Cameroon Leg Focuses on Peace and Youth

Arriving in Yaoundé on April 15, the Pope will meet President Paul Biya and address national leaders. His schedule includes visits to an orphanage and meetings with bishops.

A key moment comes in Bamenda, where he will participate in a peace gathering amid ongoing regional tensions. The Cameroon leg also includes Masses in Douala and Yaoundé, as well as an address to university students and academics.

Angola Visit Highlights Faith and Community

The Pope lands in Luanda on April 18, beginning with official meetings and continuing with a Mass in Kilamba. He will also visit the Marian shrine of Muxima, a major pilgrimage site.

In Saurimo, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit a nursing home and celebrate Mass, before returning to Luanda for a pastoral meeting with clergy and church workers.

Final Stop: Equatorial Guinea

The final leg begins on April 21 in Malabo, where the Pope will meet President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and engage with cultural and academic representatives.

He will also visit a psychiatric hospital and meet local bishops. On April 22, the Pope undertakes multiple flights to Mongomo and Bata, celebrating Mass, visiting a prison, and praying at a memorial for victims of a deadly 2021 explosion.

The journey concludes on April 23 with a final Mass in Malabo before the Pope returns to Rome.

The full schedule of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey can be found here