Pope Leo XIV to Launch First Major African Tour Focusing on Peace and Social Justice

Pope Leo XIV will begin his first major African tour in April, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. He will celebrate seven masses, deliver 11 speeches, and focus on peace, social justice, and reconciliation, including visits to conflict-affected areas and community institutions. The trip highlights the Vatican’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue, equality, and development across the continent.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his first major tour of Africa in April, a journey that is expected to blend spiritual reflection, diplomacy, and strong advocacy for peace, justice, and equality across the continent. The pope will travel to four countries — Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea — where he is scheduled to celebrate seven masses and deliver 11 speeches over several days, underscoring his commitment to addressing both spiritual and social issues during the trip.
The tour will commence on April 13 in Algiers, where Pope Leo XIV will meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and celebrate mass at the historic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. This visit will mark a significant milestone, as Leo XIV will become the first pope to set foot in Algeria, highlighting the Vatican’s efforts to strengthen ties with North Africa and promote interfaith dialogue in a region with a rich Islamic heritage.
Following Algeria, the pope will travel to Cameroon, where he is expected to meet President Paul Biya and engage with local communities. A significant part of his visit will take place in the conflict-affected city of Bamenda, which has experienced a decade-long separatist crisis. During this leg of the tour, Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to issue an urgent call for peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for dialogue, tolerance, and the protection of human rights amidst ongoing unrest.
In Angola, the focus of the pope’s visit will shift to social justice issues, including corruption, inequality, and conflicts over natural resources. While in Luanda, the country’s capital, Leo XIV will meet with diplomats and government officials, before visiting a variety of religious and social institutions. These visits aim to highlight the Catholic Church’s role in supporting vulnerable communities, promoting ethical governance, and encouraging equitable distribution of resources.
The tour will conclude in Equatorial Guinea, where the pope will visit the cities of Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata. His itinerary will include meetings with clergy members, visits to a technology school, and prayers at a memorial honoring the victims of a 2021 explosion. These engagements will emphasize both spiritual solidarity and the importance of social development, education, and community healing.
This journey marks Pope Leo XIV’s third international trip since his election in 2025 and underscores the Vatican’s strategic focus on Africa. The continent remains central to the pope’s message, with ongoing efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, address social inequality, and foster peacebuilding in regions affected by conflict and instability. The tour reflects a holistic approach, combining religious leadership with advocacy for human dignity, social justice, and reconciliation.