Pope Leo XIV concluded his first apostolic journey to Africa on April 24, 2026, after an 11-day visit to four countries on the continent.
The pontiff began his tour on April 13, traveling to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. During the visit, he met with national, social, and religious leaders, delivering messages of peace and human dignity whereas encouraging young people to embrace lives grounded in faith and values.
Vatican News reported that the Pope returned to the Vatican following the completion of the journey, marking his third international trip and first to Africa since his election in 2025.
The visit underscores the Catholic Church’s continued engagement with African nations, where growing Catholic populations have increased the region’s significance within the global Church.