Pope Leo to Visit Angola as Part of Planned Africa Tour

Pope Leo plans to visit Angola as part of a wider Africa tour, the Vatican envoy to the country said, marking a significant step in the new pontiff’s engagement with the continent.

Speaking in Luanda, Archbishop Kryspin Dubiel, the Vatican ambassador to Angola, said Pope Leo had accepted an invitation from Angolan President João Lourenço.  He added that discussions were under way to finalise dates and a detailed programme for the visit, which is expected to take place later this year or in early 2026.

The stop in Angola would form part of a multi-country tour across Africa, reflecting the Vatican’s focus on strengthening ties with Catholic communities on a continent where the Catholic Church in Africa continues to grow in numbers and influence. If confirmed, it would be the first papal visit to Angola since Pope Benedict XVI travelled there in 2009.

• Pope Leo plans Angola visit as part of wider Africa tour, Vatican envoy says
• Angola stop would mark first papal visit to the country since 2009
• Africa seen as priority region for Pope Leo’s new pontificate

Pope Leo, who was elected last year following the death of Pope Francis, has so far made limited foreign trips, opting initially to focus on internal Church matters. Vatican officials have said, however, that Africa is a priority region for the new pontificate, given its young population and the social and economic challenges facing many countries there.

Before becoming pope, Leo travelled frequently to African nations and developed close links with local clergy and religious communities. In remarks made late last year, he said he hoped to visit several African countries during his papacy, though he did not name specific destinations at the time.

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Vatican diplomats said planning for the Africa tour is continuing alongside preparations for other possible overseas trips in 2026, including visits to Europe. The Angola visit, once confirmed, is expected to draw large crowds and to focus on peace, social development, and the role of the Church in addressing poverty and inequality.