Pope Leo XIV has announced his intention to embark on a significant journey to Africa in 2026, with Algeria poised to be his first stop. The revelation came during a press conference on the papal plane as he returned to Rome on Tuesday, concluding his inaugural foreign tour to Turkey and Lebanon.
Algeria: A Pilgrimage to Saint Augustine's Roots
The US-born Pontiff, who leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, expressed a personal desire to visit Algeria. "I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places from the life of Saint Augustine," he stated, referencing the revered fifth-century saint and theologian born in what is now Algeria.
Pope Leo, elected in May 2025 and a member of the Augustinian religious order, emphasized the saint's symbolic importance. "The figure of Saint Augustine plays an important role as a bridge because in Algeria he is highly respected as a son of the nation," the 70-year-old explained. He believes such a visit would advance dialogue and bridge-building between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
Potential Itinerary and Future Travel Hopes
While the Africa trip in 2026 is yet to be officially confirmed, a Vatican source indicated that the journey could extend beyond Algeria. Possible additional stops include Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Looking further ahead, Pope Leo XIV shared his wish to travel to Latin America. He specifically mentioned Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru—the latter being a country where he served as a missionary for over two decades before his papacy.
Wrapping Up a Mission of Peace in the Middle East
The Pope's announcement followed a six-day tour focused on peace and unity. His trip culminated in a mass for 150,000 faithful on Beirut's waterfront in Lebanon, a nation grappling with severe economic crisis and the aftermath of conflict.
Before departing the region, he renewed calls for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and urged innovative approaches to achieving lasting peace across the Middle East. The Pope's first international voyage set a clear tone for his papacy: one dedicated to pilgrimage, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for regions in distress.
