Pope Leo XIV has started a 10-day visit to Africa, covering four countries and travelling about 18,000 km to highlight key issues facing the continent.
The trip began Monday from Vatican City, with the pope first arriving in Algeria for a two-day stop. He will then continue his journey to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The tour includes visits to 11 cities and towns and involves about 18 flights.
According to Cardinal Michael Czerny, the visit aims to draw global attention to Africa, where over 20% of the world’s Catholics live. The pope, who was elected last May, has made limited international trips so far, including visits to Turkey, Lebanon, and Monaco.
At 70 years old, Leo is considered healthy and is undertaking one of the most demanding papal trips in recent years. During the visit, he is expected to deliver about 25 speeches addressing different concerns across the region.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope will likely speak on issues such as natural resource management, interfaith relations, and political governance. Some of the countries on the tour have faced criticism over human rights, which their leaders deny.
One of the major highlights is expected in Douala, Cameroon, where about 600,000 people are anticipated to attend a public Mass on Friday.
In Algeria, a country with a mainly Muslim population and fewer than 10,000 Catholics, the pope will meet leaders and visit the Great Mosque of Algiers. This marks the first time the country is hosting a Catholic pope.
He will also travel to Annaba to visit the historic site of Hippo, linked to the early Christian figure Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose teachings influence the Augustinian order the pope belongs to.
Throughout the tour, Pope Leo XIV is expected to speak in several languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
