Pope Leo XIV will on Monday begin an 11-day tour of Africa, marking his first major international trip since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church last year.
Gatekeepers News reports that the US-born pontiff will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, covering over 18,000 kilometres as he addresses issues ranging from interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding to inequality and human rights.
Since becoming head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May, the 70-year-old pontiff has made limited foreign trips. During this visit, which runs until April 23, he is scheduled to deliver 11 speeches, preside over seven masses and visit multiple locations.
His engagements are expected to carry added global significance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East conflict and its economic repercussions.
Algeria: Historic First Visit
In Algeria, where Islam is the state religion, Leo will become the first pope to visit the country. He is scheduled to tour the Great Mosque of Algiers and meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The pope will also meet members of the Augustinian order in Annaba and pray privately at a chapel honouring 19 clergy members killed during Algeria’s 1992–2002 civil war. Ahead of the visit, international rights groups have urged him to raise concerns about the treatment of religious minorities.
Cameroon: Focus on Peace
In Cameroon, a predominantly Christian nation, the pope is expected to emphasise peace and reconciliation, particularly in the conflict-affected Anglophone regions.
A key highlight will be a mass and speech in Bamenda, the epicentre of unrest, where security is expected to be tight. Leo will also visit Catholic-run hospitals, schools and charities, and meet President Paul Biya.
Angola: Inequality and Resources
During his stop in Angola, Leo is expected to focus on economic justice, including equitable distribution of wealth from natural resources and anti-corruption efforts.
He will visit Luanda as well as Muxima, a historic religious site linked to the transatlantic slave trade. While many Catholics have welcomed the visit, some citizens have criticised the public cost of hosting the pontiff.
Equatorial Guinea: Delicate Diplomacy
The final leg of the tour will take Leo to Equatorial Guinea, where he is expected to balance support for the Catholic community with concerns about governance.
The country has been ruled for decades by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Observers expect the pope to address issues of human rights and social justice during his visit.
This marks Leo’s third trip outside Italy, following earlier visits to Turkey, Lebanon and Monaco, and underscores his growing engagement with global issues early in his papacy.
