According to Vatican News, the Apostolic Journey will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, underscoring Africa’s growing importance to the Catholic Church and marking a series of historic firsts.
Vatican News reports that the itinerary is intended to highlight Catholicism’s continued expansion across the continent and reinforce the Holy See’s commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue and development.
Pope Leo XIV // Instagram
Groundbreaking Visit to Algeria
The tour begins in Algeria, where Pope Leo will become the first pontiff to visit the predominantly Muslim nation. Catholics account for only a small fraction of the population.
According to Vatican News:
- The Pope will visit Algiers and Annaba from 13 to 15 April.
- In Annaba, he is expected to honor the legacy of Saint Augustine of Hippo, who lived and ministered in what is now modern-day Algeria.
Church leaders cited by Vatican News described the visit as a gesture aimed at strengthening Christian-Muslim relations in North Africa.
“This journey is meant to deepen respect and dialogue between Christians and Muslims in North Africa,” a senior Vatican official said, according to Vatican News.
Appeal for Peace in Cameroon
From North Africa, the pontiff will travel to Cameroon from 15 to 18 April. According to Vatican News, planned stops include:
- Yaoundé
- Bamenda
- Douala
The visit to Bamenda comes amid a nearly decade-long separatist conflict in the Anglophone northwest. Vatican News notes that the pope is expected to emphasize reconciliation and peace during his engagements there.
Focus on Development in Angola
The itinerary then moves to Angola from April 18 to 21. According to Vatican News, Catholicism is the country’s largest faith community, with an estimated 17.9 million adherents — nearly half the population.
The pope will visit Luanda, Muxima and Saurimo, with engagements focused on pastoral outreach and development initiatives.
Final Leg in Equatorial Guinea
The tour concludes in Equatorial Guinea from 21 to 23 April, with stops in Malabo, Mongomo and Bata.
According to Vatican News, more than 80 per cent of the country’s population identifies as Catholic. Vatican officials stated that Africa is home to about 20 per cent of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, reflecting the continent’s growing significance within the global Church.
