POPE Leo XIV has begun his first African tour, a 10 to 11-day visit aimed at promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and development across the continent.
The visit, which began on Monday, April 13, embarked on a mission focused on promoting peace and interfaith dialogue in four countries, namely Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The itinerary covers about 18,000 kilometres and includes visits to 11 cities.
The Vatican says the broader purpose of the tour is to encourage dialogue in conflict-prone regions, highlight the rapid growth of Catholicism in Africa, and address challenges such as corruption, inequality and the misuse of natural resources in countries, including Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
The trip is taking place amid comments from the United States President Donald Trump, who criticised the Pope’s stance on the Iran conflict. Despite this, the Vatican has maintained that the visit is humanitarian and spiritual.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the mission, saying it could promote peace and support Christian communities.
The ICIR reports that although Nigeria is not included in the itinerary, the Pope has continued to engage with the country’s situation. In Vatican remarks, he listed Nigeria among places where Christians face “severe threats and extreme cruelty,” referring to violence in Benue, Plateau states and other parts of the Middle Belt.
The Pope also has a personal link to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos in the 1980s. Nigeria has not hosted a papal visit since Pope John Paul II visited in 1998.
The Vatican maintains that the tour is focused on peacebuilding and strengthening faith communities across Africa.