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Pope Leo XIV Announces Intent to Visit Africa, Starting with Algeria in 2026

Pope Leo XIV has revealed his intention to visit Africa, with Algeria as the starting point for a planned 2026 trip to follow in the footsteps of Saint Augustine and foster Christian-Muslim dialogue.

In his first international trip press conference, Pope Leo XIV announced his desire to visit Africa, specifically naming Algeria as a key destination for a potential voyage in 2026. The statement was made aboard the papal plane returning from a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon.

“I hope to make a trip to Africa, which could be my next trip,” said the 70-year-old pontiff. “Personally, I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places from the life of Saint Augustine.”

The Pope, who belongs to the Augustinian order, emphasized the importance of the North African saint as a unifying figure. He stated that such a visit would “continue the discourse of dialogue and bridge-building between the Christian and the Muslim worlds,” noting that Augustine is “highly respected as a son of the nation” in Algeria.

According to a Vatican source, the African itinerary may also include stops in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV, elected in May, also expressed a wish to visit Latin American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru—where he served as a missionary for over two decades.

Concluding his remarks, the Pope called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and advocated for new approaches to peace in the Middle East. The leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics has yet to officially confirm the dates for the proposed African trip.
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