Nigeria Sh*cked: Pope Leo Omits Africa’s Giant From His First African Pilgrimage List

The pontiff made this announcement during a press conference aboard the papal plane, following his inaugural six-day foreign tour that took him to Turkey and Lebanon (from November 27 to December 2, 2025).

“I hope to make a trip to Africa next,” Pope Leo XIV said. “Personally, I would like to go to Algeria and visit sites connected to the life of Saint Augustine.”

The 70-year-old pope — elected in May 2025 and a member of the Augustinian Order — stressed the theological and diplomatic importance of such a visit to Algeria.

He added, “Saint Augustine is a unifying figure: in Algeria he is revered as a native son.”

The Vatican believes that a visit there would help the head of the Catholic Church advance dialogue and foster mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

According to Vatican statements, the itinerary might also include countries such as Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

Beyond Africa, Pope Leo XIV expressed strong interest in returning to Latin America — particularly Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, where he spent more than two decades serving as a missionary.