Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic African Tour to Strengthen Catholic Ties

Mon Apr 13 2026 07:38:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pope Leo XIV embarks on an 11-day tour of Africa, focusing on peace, migration, and interfaith dialogue in a rapidly growing Catholic region.

Starting today, Pope Leo XIV sets out on a significant 11-day tour across Africa, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. This is his second major foreign visit as Pope, reinforcing the vital role of Africa in Catholicism, where over 288 million Catholics reside—representing more than a fifth of the world's Catholic population. The trip aims to address social issues, strengthen interfaith connections, and promote peace amidst ongoing conflicts in certain regions.

Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic African Tour to Strengthen Catholic Ties

Pope Leo XIV wants to turn the world's attention to Africa, according to a senior Vatican official, as he embarks on a significant tour of the continent addressing themes of peace, migration, and dialogue between religions.

The 11-day trip, which starts on Monday, is Pope Leo's second major foreign visit since being elected to the papacy in May last year, and is a reflection of Africa's increasing importance to Catholicism.

More than a fifth of the world's Catholics are in Africa, some 288 million people, according to figures from 2024. It is one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church. The Vatican says its latest survey shows a remarkable increase in the number of baptized Catholics on the continent.

Little wonder then that the trip is regarded as a personal priority for Pope Leo. The wide-ranging tour will include stop-offs in 11 cities in four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. In all, the Pope will travel nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles), with most of the distance covered on 18 flights.

All but one of the countries have large Catholic populations, but he has chosen a non-Catholic country - Algeria - as his first stop, as it holds deep significance for him. It is the birthplace of St Augustine, and Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the order that follows his teachings. The ideas of the 4th Century North African theologian, such as community and humility, have helped shape the current leader of the Catholic Church.

The Pope will go to the region where St Augustine was a bishop - formerly known as Hippo, now called Annaba - where he will celebrate Mass. This will be the country's first visit by any pope, and dialogue with the Islamic world is expected to be a key focus, particularly with a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers. A visit to the Basilica of our Lady of Africa, a site of pilgrimage for both Muslims and Christians, is also planned.

However, the visit occurs amidst concerns from rights groups over Algeria's treatment of religious minorities, highlighting the complex realities within the region.

After Algeria, Pope Leo will continue to Cameroon, where the conflict in its two anglophone regions will provide a backdrop for his message of peace and reconciliation.

Bamenda, at the centre of this conflict, will host a Mass for peace and justice. Local residents hope it might act as a catalyst for healing. The tour will also include stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea as the pontiff emphasizes social justice and encourages the healing of communities affected by past conflicts.

The Pope's presence in Africa at this time serves as both a recognition of the continent's significance and a call for unity against challenges such as migration, poverty, and conflict.