The Vatican has released more details about Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Africa in 2026, outlining a 10-day trip that will take him to four countries across the continent.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s apostolic journey is scheduled to run from April 13 to April 23, 2026, with stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The Vatican also unveiled the official logos and mottos for the visit on April 16.
This will be Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to Africa since his election in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis in April of the same year. During the tour, he is expected to meet with Catholic communities, Christian leaders, and government officials, with a focus on promoting peace, unity, and dialogue.
Notably, his visit to Algeria will mark a historic moment as it will be the first time a Pope visits the Muslim-majority country, highlighting his commitment to interfaith relations.
However, Nigeria is not included in the itinerary, extending the country’s wait for a papal visit to 28 years. The last time a Pope visited Nigeria was in 1998, when Pope John Paul II made his second trip to the country, having first visited in 1982.
Despite being home to one of the largest Catholic populations in Africa, Nigeria will once again miss out on hosting the Pontiff. The country has produced several prominent figures within the Church, including Francis Arinze, John Onaiyekan, Peter Okpaleke, Matthew Ndagoso, and Hassan Kukah.
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV has visited Nigeria before his papacy. In 2016, then known as Robert Prevost, he travelled to Abuja as part of his mission with the Order of St. Augustine.
Although Nigeria is not on the tour list, the Pope has continued to express concern for the country, especially in light of ongoing security challenges. The Catholic Church in Nigeria has been significantly affected by violence in recent years, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions, where attacks have claimed the lives of clergy members and worshippers.
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