Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Monaco, four African countries, and Spain between March and June 2026, marking his first major international trips of the year.
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first significant international trips in 2026, with a schedule that includes visits to Monaco, four African nations, and Spain. The trips are part of the Holy Father's efforts to reach out to different communities across the globe. The Pope's visit to Monaco is planned for March 28, just a few weeks before his African tour in April, which will encompass Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
From April 13 to April 23, 2026, the Pope will engage with local congregations in the aforementioned African countries, demonstrating the Vatican's commitment to strengthening its presence and relationships within the continent. This visit is especially significant, as it comes at a time when many African nations face various social and economic challenges, and the Pope's presence may provide a source of hope and solidarity to the people there.
The Pope's journey continues in June, where he will visit Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, coinciding with the centenary of the death of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. His visit to Barcelona includes the inauguration of a new tower at the Sagrada Família basilica, a project deeply connected with Gaudí's legacy, who was declared venerable by the Vatican in 2025. The timing of these visits highlights the Pope's recognition of cultural heritage and the Church's role in addressing contemporary issues in society.
