Pope Leon XIV is set to begin his first official visit to Africa, a 10-day tour aimed at strengthening the Church’s presence and drawing global attention to the continent.
The visit kicks off this Monday in Algeria before continuing to Cameroon. Over the course of the trip, the Pope is expected to visit 11 cities and travel approximately 18,000 kilometers across 18 separate journeys.
According to Michael Czerny, a senior official at the Vatican, the purpose of the visit is to encourage the world to “rethink Africa” and recognize its growing importance both spiritually and globally.
Africa is home to nearly 20% of the world’s Catholic population, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church. The Pope’s visit reflects this demographic shift and the increasing role Africa plays in global Catholicism.
Prior to this trip, Pope Leon XIV visited countries including Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025, as well as Monaco in March 2026.
This African tour marks the 24th papal visit to the continent in history. During the trip, he is also scheduled to visit Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the Vatican and African nations, while also highlighting the continent’s cultural, spiritual, and social significance on the global stage.
KIGALI TIMES