Pope Leo XIV Unveils African Countries on 2026 Visit List
Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to embark on a historic trip to Africa in 2026, marking what could become his next major international voyage as head of the Catholic Church.
The pontiff revealed his intention on Tuesday during a press briefing aboard the papal plane while returning from a six-day apostolic visit to Turkey and Lebanon — the first foreign trip of his pontificate.
Expressing a personal desire to visit Algeria, Pope Leo said he hopes to walk in the footsteps of Saint Augustine, one of the most influential theologians in Christian history who was born in present-day Algeria.
“I hope to make a trip to Africa, which could be my next trip. Personally, I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places from the life of Saint Augustine,” he told journalists.
Information from the Vatican indicates that the proposed African tour may also include Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Pope Leo, spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, also disclosed his interest in visiting several Latin American countries — Argentina, Uruguay and Peru, where he served as a missionary for over two decades.
According to Watchtower Media, the newly elected pope, who ascended to the papacy in May, is a member of the Augustinian Order, founded in the 13th century and comprising nearly 3,000 members in about 50 countries.
Observers say the planned visit will further strengthen the Pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace-building between Christian and Muslim communities.
“The figure of Saint Augustine plays an important role as a bridge because in Algeria he is highly respected as a son of the nation,” the 70-year-old pontiff added.