From April 13 to 23, 2026, the Pope will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. This was announced by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, during a press conference held on April 9 at the Vatican. It is an ambitious itinerary that will take Leo XIV to territories that, in many cases, have not been visited by a Pope for decades.

Algeria has never been visited by a Pope. Cameroon has not hosted one since 1985 (John Paul II), Angola since 2009 (Benedict XVI), and Equatorial Guinea since 1982. None of these countries were included in Pope Francis’s African trips, even though he visited ten regions of the continent. “It is a journey through the richness of this great continent, populated by diverse peoples and worlds,” Bruni emphasized.

The Pope will speak in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish throughout the tour. The central themes he will address include peace, the environment, migration, family, youth, and the legacy of colonialism. It is a continent marked by contrasts: violence and fundamentalism, but also the enthusiasm of new generations and the role of religions in the pursuit of coexistence.

Algeria, land of Saint Augustine and of Christian witness

The first stop will be Algeria, a country deeply linked to the figure of Saint Augustine, father of the Augustinian order to which Robert Francis Prevost belonged before becoming Leo XIV. The Pope himself had expressed his desire to visit the saint’s sites during the return flight from Beirut.

Algeria represents “a land of ancient and modern Christian witness”: from the Christians of North Africa in Roman times to the presence of Charles de Foucauld among the Tuareg, the seven Trappist monks murdered in the 1990s, or the 19 religious figures beatified by Francis in 2018. Located between the desert and the Mediterranean, the trip will allow us to talk about migration and the risk of resource exploitation.

Cameroon, “Africa in miniature”

From Algeria, the Pope will travel to Cameroon, described as a microcosm of the continent due to its territorial, cultural, linguistic, and resource diversity. There, the words of John Paul II on hope and those of Benedict XVI on reconciliation, justice, and peace will be recalled.

The country faces challenges such as crises in various regions and the rise of fundamentalism, especially among young people. Leo XIV will focus on the role of religions in building peace, the commitment of governments, civil society, and women, and the care of the environment, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the encyclical  Laudato Si’ .

Angola and Equatorial Guinea: youth, resources and hope

In Angola, the focus will be on peace, natural and human resources, youth, and the wounds left by corruption, exploitation, and colonialism. It is a young country, full of hope and joy, though also marked by the temptation of discouragement. Faith is presented as “the heart of African Christianity.”

The journey will conclude in Equatorial Guinea, a nation rich in mineral resources, with great cultural diversity and a significant Christian presence. There, the Church’s commitment to building a culture of peace will be highlighted, along with the role of culture and universities supported by the local Church.

A retinue with a strong African and Augustinian presence

The Pope will be accompanied by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal George Koovakad, and two African prefects emeritus: Peter Appiah Turkson and Robert Sarah. Several Augustinians will also be part of the entourage, especially during the Algerian leg of the trip. The Pope will frequently travel in an open-top car during the celebrations. Security measures will be standard, with no special arrangements planned.

During the trip, special mention will be made of Pope Francis, whose death anniversary coincides with April 21.

A pilgrim who, as he himself has said, ventures into “different peoples and worlds.” A continent often forgotten that, according to the Vatican, “needs to be heard.” Eleven days to listen, dialogue, and build bridges in one of the most vital and complex regions on the planet.

Ready to continue this journey? Africa awaits Peter’s successor.