Pope Leo says he hopes to visit Africa in 2026 as he wraps up his first foreign trip
Pope Leo XIV concluded his first international trip as pontiff on Tue, including a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his first international trip as pontiff on Tue, including a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon.
The pontiff has expressed interest in visiting Africa in 2026, with a specific focus on Algeria to explore sites related to Saint Augustine's life. Algeria is noteworthy for its historical connection to Augustine, a figure respected in the predominantly Muslim country.
During his time in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of dialogue and building bridges between Christian and Muslim communities. This aligns with his earlier statement about fostering communication and understanding during potential future visits.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his first international trip as pontiff on Tue, including a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon.
Background and Additional Destinations
Pope Leo XIV, who became the head of the Catholic Church in May, is a member of the Augustinian order, established in the 13th century, with nearly 3,000 members across 50 countries. In addition to Algeria, potential African visit locations may include Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
As the first US-born pope, Leo XIV has also shown interest in visiting Latin America, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, where he served as a missionary for over two decades.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
