Pope to visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea in Africa

Pope Leo XIV will make his first major apostolic journey to the African continent since the beginning of his pontificate from April 13 to 23, 2026. The tour will include four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The itinerary was made public this March 16, 2026 by the Holy See in the Pope's official calendar of activities and in the Vatican media.

The eleven-day trip, which can consult here, The visit will combine liturgical celebrations, meetings with civil and religious authorities and symbolic gestures related to peace, interreligious dialogue and attention to the poorest of the poor. Moreover, it is a significant tour because Africa is one of the regions of the world where the Catholic Church is growing most rapidly.

Visit to Annaba, the ancient Hippo, land of St. Augustine, in Algeria (13-14)

The first stage will take place in Algeria, where the Pope will stay for three days, visiting the cities of Algiers and Annaba.

One of the most significant moments will be the pilgrimage to Annaba, the ancient Hippo, known as the land of St. Augustine, where the Father of the Church St. Augustine of Hippo lived and ministered. There the Pope will hold a commemorative act and a moment of prayer in memory of the saint.

A meeting with the Augustinians is also foreseen, of special relevance due to the fact that the Pope himself belongs to the Order of St. Augustine. The visit will also include meetings with civil authorities and representatives of other religions, in a country with a Muslim majority, underlining interreligious dialogue.

Cameroon (April 15-18)

The second stop will be in Cameroon, where the Pope will stay for three days. During this part of the trip he will visit the cities of Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala.

Among the main events will be a mass with the faithful, meetings with bishops, priests and religious of the country and meetings with young people and representatives of civil society. The Pope is expected to address issues such as national reconciliation, peace and attention to the poor, issues that are very present in the social reality of the country.

Angola (April 18-21)

The third stage will take place in Angola, where the Pontiff will stay for three days, visiting Luanda, Muxima and Saurimo.

One of the central moments will be the celebration of a large Eucharist in Luanda, as well as meetings with political authorities, bishops and social organizations. The Marian shrine of Muxima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country, will be the scene of an act of prayer for peace and reconciliation.

The Angolan bishops have stressed that the Pope's visit will be an opportunity to reflect on social justice, education and the fight against poverty.

Equatorial Guinea (April 21-23)

The last stop will be Equatorial Guinea, where the Pope will stay for two days. He will visit the cities of Malabo, Mongomo and Bata.

During this final phase, a large Mass will be celebrated with the faithful, in addition to meetings with the country's authorities and with the bishops of the region. The Pope will also have pastoral meetings with priests, religious and catechists, with the aim of strengthening the life of the Church in Central Africa.

Strong pastoral significance

Pope Leo XIV's trip to Africa represents one of the most important pastoral projects of his pontificate so far, following those to Nicaea (Turkey) and Lebanon. Throughout four countries and several cities, the Pontiff will bring a message of peace, dialogue and hope, in addition to highlighting the Christian heritage of the continent, especially in places linked to historical figures such as St. Augustine.

The visit also reflects the growing importance of Africa in the Catholic Church and the Pope's desire to strengthen communion with the Christian communities of the continent.

On December 3, 2025, upon returning from Turkey and Lebanon, the Holy Father said to questions from reporters that he hoped to travel to Africa, including Algeria, where St. Augustine served as a bishop, and where he is still “highly respected as a son of the nation.”.