Pope Leo to visit Algeria, a first in papal history, on packed Africa tour
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
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Pope Leo XIV is set to make history with a groundbreaking visit to Algeria in April, marking the first time a pope will travel to the North African Muslim nation. The trip, which includes stops in Algeria’s cities Algiers and Annaba, holds special significance as Algeria is the birthplace of St. Augustine, the patron saint of Pope Leo’s religious order, the Augustinians. This visit, along with his planned tours of Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Spain, Monaco, and the Canary Islands, highlights a packed itinerary aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and addressing pressing global issues.
The pope’s African tour will take place from April 13 to 23, with stops in Yaounde, Bamenda, Douala (Cameroon); Luanda, Muxima, Saurimo (Angola); and Malabo, Mongomo, Bata (Equatorial Guinea). These visits are expected to focus on peace and dialogue, particularly in regions grappling with ongoing conflicts and separatist struggles. In Algeria, the visit comes 30 years after the tragic beheading of seven French Trappist monks during the country’s civil war, underscoring its symbolic importance for interfaith relations.
Before his African行程, Pope Leo will visit Monaco on March 28 for the first time in modern history, followed by a trip to Spain from June 6 to 12. The Spanish leg of the journey includes visits to Madrid and Barcelona, where he will inaugurate the tallest tower of Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família Basilica—a centennial celebration marking the death of the renowned architect in 1926. Additionally, Leo will travel to the Canary Islands, a key stop on the migration route to Europe, where his focus will likely turn to migrant rights and advocacy.
Pope Leo’s extensive international schedule also includes visits to Italy, with stops planned for Lampedusa, an island known for its role in the Mediterranean migration crisis. His travels reflect a commitment to addressing global challenges such as conflict, migration, and interfaith dialogue, aligning with his predecessor Pope Francis’s priorities. As the first pope from the Americas, Leo XIV brings a unique perspective to these issues, resonating with Catholics worldwide.
This series of papal visits is not only historic but also carries profound implications for international relations, religious diplomacy, and global peace efforts. By engaging with diverse cultures and communities, Pope Leo aims to amplify the Catholic Church’s role as
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026