The Vatican has unveiled an extensive international travel schedule for Pope Leo XIV in the first half of 2026, including visits to Monaco, Spain, and four African nations: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
This marks one of the busiest papal itineraries in years, complementing a grand tour of Italy starting in May. Papal travel had largely been on hold since Leo's election last May, as his calendar was packed ministering to 33 million pilgrims during the 2025 Holy Year. With the Jubilee concluded, the 70-year-old Pope is freer to engage with his global flock.
Pope Leo will make a one-day visit to Monaco on 28 March, followed by a 10-day voyage to Africa from 13-23 April. The Algeria stop is particularly significant given its connection to St. Augustine of Hippo, the inspiration of Leo's religious order. He will then spend nearly a week in Spain from 6-12 June, and is widely expected to be in Barcelona on 10 June to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí.
While further foreign travel is expected in the second half of 2026, including possible visits to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay, the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo will not travel to the United States this year. On 4 July, he will instead visit the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, a main arrival point for migrants smuggled from north Africa.
