Pope Leo XIV's Historic Africa Tour: Mosque Visit and Peace Calls in Four Nations
The Vatican has announced the detailed itinerary for Pope Leo XIV's upcoming landmark tour of Africa, scheduled from 13 to 23 April. This significant journey will see the pontiff visit four nations, with central themes focusing on Christian-Muslim relations, comforting victims of violence, and encouraging Catholic communities in former European colonies.
Algeria: First Papal Visit and Mosque Tour
Pope Leo's tour commences in Algeria, marking the first time a pontiff has ever visited the country. His busy first day in Algiers includes meetings with government authorities, a tour of the Great Mosque, and engagement with the local Catholic community. Later, he will travel to Annaba on the Algerian coast, formerly known as Hippo, where St. Augustine lived and died in 430 AD. There, Leo will meet with Augustinian sisters and priests, tour archaeological sites, and celebrate Mass at the capital's Basilica of St. Augustine.
Cameroon: Leading a Crucial Peace Meeting
The next stop is Cameroon, where Pope Leo will visit Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda. In Bamenda, located in the conflict-ridden North-West region, he will lead a "peace meeting" on 16 April. This region has been plagued by fighting since English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion in 2017, resulting in over 6,000 deaths and 600,000 displacements. Additionally, Boko Haram insurgency from Nigeria spills into northern Cameroon. Concerns have been raised that the visit might be instrumentalized by President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 42 years and won a disputed election in October.
Angola: Visiting a Major Marian Shrine
In Angola, a former Portuguese colony with a large Catholic population, Pope Leo will visit Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo. At Muxima, he will see the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima, a key Marian shrine and pilgrimage site. Historically, this church, built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, was used to baptize enslaved people before their trans-Atlantic journey. Angola gained independence in 1975 but endured a civil war until 2002.
Equatorial Guinea: Praying for Blast Victims
The final stop is Equatorial Guinea, where about 70% of the 1.9 million citizens are Catholic. Pope Leo will visit Malabo, Bata, and Mongomo, meeting prison inmates and praying at a memorial for victims of a 2021 military barracks blast that killed over 100 people due to negligence. The country has long been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in power since 1982, with a history of Catholic persecution under his predecessor. Despite oil wealth, over 57% of the population lives in poverty.
Throughout his travels, Pope Leo will meet local bishops, celebrate Masses, and hold private discussions with leaders, two of whom have held power for decades. This tour underscores the Vatican's commitment to interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and supporting faithful communities across Africa.
