Pope Leo XIV will on Monday begin an 11-day visit to Africa, marking his first major international tour since becoming head of the Catholic Church last year.
The trip will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, where he is expected to address issues including peace, inequality, human rights and interfaith dialogue.
The pontiff, who assumed office in May, is scheduled to deliver 11 speeches, preside over seven masses and visit multiple locations across the continent during the tour, which runs until April 23.
In Algeria, he will make history as the first pope to visit the predominantly Muslim country, holding talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and visiting key religious sites.
In Cameroon, his visit is expected to focus on peace and reconciliation, particularly in the conflict-affected English-speaking regions. He is also set to meet President Paul Biya and engage with local Catholic institutions.
The Angola leg of the trip will centre on social and economic issues, with the pope expected to highlight concerns around poverty, corruption and the fair distribution of natural resource wealth.
In Equatorial Guinea, he will navigate a delicate political environment as he meets long-serving leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, while expected to emphasise human rights and social justice.
The visit comes at a time of global uncertainty, with the pope’s messages likely to draw international attention.
