Pope Leo XIV Plans First Pastoral Visit to Africa, With Angola on the Itinerary

Holy See confirms preparations are underway as timelines for the historic trip take shape

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his first pastoral visit to the African continent, with Angola confirmed as one of the countries on his anticipated itinerary.

The announcement was made by the apostolic nuncio to Angola, Archbishop Kryspin Witold Dubiel, who revealed that the pontiff has formally accepted invitations from both the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola and President João Lourenço.

Speaking during a press conference, Archbishop Dubiel explained that planning is currently in progress, with discussions focused on the visit’s program, routes, and logistics.

While no official dates have been announced, church officials indicated that the trip is being considered for late 2026, with early indications pointing to a possible window between September and November. An alternative timeframe under discussion is early 2027, depending on the Vatican’s broader pastoral calendar.

The visit would mark a significant moment for Angola’s Catholic community and for Africa as a whole, underscoring Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to engaging with the continent early in his papacy. The trip is expected to focus on peace, social justice, youth, and the role of the Church in development and reconciliation.

Further details, including exact dates and the full list of countries to be visited, are expected to be announced once preparations are finalized.