Nothing is public and official, but we can speculate which countries are on his short list — and which ones aren't, possibly including the USA.
After his first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon in November-December, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue his “pilgrimage” around the globe, following in the footsteps of his predecessors.
Here are some potential destinations for 2026 and beyond.
A highly likely trip for 2026: Africa
“I hope to go to Algeria,” the Pope told reporters aboard the plane taking him back from Lebanon on December 2.
This trip to the land of St. Augustine, “which could be the next one,” would mark the beginning of an African tour including several countries. According to our information, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon are among the destinations being considered.
Regarding the latter, steps have been reported by the local press, but the tense political situation since the re-election of President Paul Biya and the 2026 legislative elections could delay or compromise a papal visit. Other countries, such as Gabon and the Republic of Congo, have also been mentioned.
A possible trip to Spain
In recent weeks, several Spanish media outlets have mentioned the possibility of a papal trip to Spain in June. The Pope could visit Barcelona on June 10 for the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, who was recognized as venerable last April. Work on the Sagrada Família, his masterpiece, is almost complete. A visit to Madrid to meet with the authorities is also being considered.
Other cities could be included in the itinerary: Valencia, Santiago de Compostela, Alba de Tormes and Segovia (where St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross are buried), Salamanca and its university, or Alcalá de Henares and Toledo.
A Roman source suggests a trip to Valladolid for the third centenary of the canonization of Saint Turibius de Mogrovejo, a native of the region. A missionary in Peru like Leo XIV, Saint Turibius was an ardent defender of the indigenous peoples.
On the other hand, a trip to the Canary Islands, considered at the end of Francis' pontificate, is no longer on the agenda.
A tour of South America?
“I would very much like to visit Latin America, Argentina, and Uruguay, which are waiting for a visit from the pope,” Leo said on his return from Lebanon. His visit to Francis' country is particularly eagerly awaited, as his predecessor never returned there after his election (the last papal visit was by John Paul II in 1987).
In Francis' previous plans, stops in Uruguay and southern Brazil had been mentioned and could be included in this tour. “I think Peru would also welcome me,” the Pope added on the plane with humor, raising the possibility of visiting other countries in the region. The Pope had already expressed his desire to return to the Andean country, where he was a missionary and is a citizen. He could then visit Trujillo, Lima, and Chiclayo, where he was bishop.
A Marian pilgrimage to Mexico
On November 18, the Pope mentioned Mexico, and more specifically the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as a likely destination. An official invitation was sent to him by the local bishops and President Claudia Sheinbaum, who nevertheless specified on December 15 that no date had yet been set. Francis visited Mexico in 2016. Mexico is in the midst of preparing for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in 2031.
Another Marian pilgrimage to Portugal
Shortly after his election, Leo XIV expressed his desire to visit Fatima. He reiterated this on November 18, although no official announcement has been made at this time. He may wait until the 110th anniversary of the apparitions, celebrated on July 24, 2027. The last papal visit was that of Francis in 2023, during World Youth Day.
What about the USA?
Leo XIV has expressed his desire to return to his native land, and Vice President J.D. Vance formally invited him. However, the Pope has hinted that such a trip isn’t high on his list of priorities right now. The highly divided political atmosphere in which a visit could be instrumentalized for political purposes may have something to do with this delay.
Other trips that will probably happen later
There are other countries that have some reason to expect a visit from Leo XIV, while not being in the list of the top 5. Some observers believe that France may be high on his list, although those indications seem to come more from France than from Rome.
Many countries have invited the current or previous Holy Father without a trip materializing. Also, there are others which Pope Francis had expressed an (ultimately unfulfilled) desire to visit.
Leo XIV has shown an inclination to fulfill Francis’ unfinished plans, so it’s not unrealistic to think he might travel to these destinations. In fact, Turkey for the anniversary of the Nicene Creed, was Francis' plan, which Leo fulfilled.
Countries on this list could include Vietnam, Croatia, Montenegro, India, or Ukraine. However, priorities and needs change over time, and in some cases there are practical or political obstacles. We’ll only really know where Pope Leo XIV will go when trips are officially announced.
