Pope Leo XIV is set to undertake a historic tour of four African countries in April 2026, focusing on interfaith dialogue, peace initiatives, and strengthening ties with local communities across the continent.
Nijatravel report that the Vatican has confirmed the Pope’s itinerary, which will include stops in Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Algeria from April 15 to April 23, 2026. The tour comes nearly three decades after the tragic beheading of seven French Trappist monks in Nigeria during the 1990s, marking a significant moment for the Church in Africa.
In Cameroon, Pope Leo will visit the cities of Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala, engaging with local clergy, civic leaders, and community members. The Angola segment will see the Pope traveling to Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo, emphasizing social cohesion and faith-based development programs. In Equatorial Guinea, the Pope will visit Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata, where he will address issues of peace, reconciliation, and interfaith collaboration. The African tour will conclude in Algeria, highlighting the country’s historical Christian heritage and ongoing commitment to religious dialogue.
Read Also: UK Introduces Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization for 85 Countries
Prior to the African trip, Pope Leo will make a one-day visit to Monaco on March 28, 2026, marking the first papal visit to the city-state in modern times. Vatican officials described the Monaco visit as a “historic moment for dialogue, peace, and shared global responsibility.”
Following the African tour, the Pope will travel to Spain from June 6 to June 12, 2026, including visits to Madrid and Barcelona, where he is scheduled to inaugurate the newest tower of the Sagrada Família Basilica, commemorating the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. His Spanish itinerary also includes stops in the Canary Islands, including Tenerife and Gran Canaria, regions significant for migrant transit and humanitarian efforts.
Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, leads over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and has prioritized peace, dialogue, and advocacy for migrant rights since his election in May 2025. The African tour underscores the Vatican’s recognition of Africa’s growing Catholic population, which now represents nearly 20 percent of global Catholics, and highlights the continent’s strategic role in the Church’s future.
The tour is expected to strengthen relations between the Vatican and African communities, promote religious dialogue, and encourage social cohesion and humanitarian engagement. Church leaders have hailed the visit as an opportunity to reaffirm faith, foster unity, and inspire collaboration across cultural and national boundaries.
For travellers, faith-based tourism enthusiasts, and African Catholic communities, Pope Leo’s visit represents a historic event with cultural, spiritual, and social significance. The Pope Leo Africa tour 2026 is poised to leave a lasting impact on both local and international audiences, promoting peace, dialogue, and community engagement across the continent.