Pope Leo XIV has begun the longest international trip of his pontificate, embarking on an 11-day tour of Africa that will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
Covering nearly 18,000 kilometers by air, the journey is designed to bring the Catholic Church’s presence to regions marked by poverty, conflict and social fragility, places often overlooked by the international spotlight.
According to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the trip reflects the Pope’s desire to stand alongside those living in the “existential peripheries” of the world. The visit will focus on themes of peace, reconciliation, interfaith dialogue and the strengthening of local Catholic communities.
In Algeria, the Pope will promote Christian-Muslim dialogue with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers. In Cameroon, he is expected to address the conflict in the country’s English-speaking regions, including a peace gathering in Bamenda. Angola will highlight the tensions between economic growth and social inequality, while Equatorial Guinea will draw attention to youth, corruption and democratic challenges.
The Vatican sees the trip as an opportunity to shine a light on underreported crises while reinforcing the Church’s commitment to the Global South.