Lent 2026
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The Vatican press office officially announced on February 25, 2026, the dates of three upcoming international trips of Pope Leo XIV.
The Pope will first travel to Monaco on March 28, his first European destination outside of Italy.
Africa: 4 countries
He will then undertake a tour of four African countries from April 13 to 23.
This trip will include visits to Algeria (Algiers and Annaba); Cameroon (Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala); Angola (Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo); and Equatorial Guinea (Malabo, Mongomo, and Bata).
The trip to Algeria promises to be a special one for Pope Leo, as it is the country where St. Augustine was bishop. The current diocese of Constantine-Hippo has of course been modified since the 300s, but it is historically the see where St. Augustine was bishop.
Hippo is now called Annaba. Hippo, the ancient name of the city, was probably in reference to the word for harbor.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is the saint and Doctor of the Church that is the inspiration for the Pope's religious order, the Augustinians.
The Holy Father will also be making a trip to Augustine's tomb, in Italy, in 2026.
Spain for Venerable Gaudí centenary
Finally, the Pontiff will visit Spain from June 6 to 12. He is expected to visit the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, and then the Canary Islands.
The Barcelona stop will give the Holy Father a chance to visit the world's now-tallest church, the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, just as the centenary of its venerable architect is being celebrated.
Venerable Antoni Gaudí died June 10, 1926. A genius whose curves and colors defy easy labels, he saw architecture as an expression of his faith.
“My client is not in a hurry,” he once said, referring to God.
To do things right, first you need love, then technique. ~ Antoni Gaudí
The Sagrada Família functions not only as a basilica but as a vast catechism in stone.
Meanwhile, the Canary Islands, while home to luxurious vacation spots, are also a sign of the challenges of migration.
For dates and locations of trips within Italy during 2026, see article below:
