Pope Leo XIV schedules first overseas trips of 2026 to Monaco, Africa, and Spain

Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first major overseas visit of 2026, marking a busy start to his international calendar. The Vatican announced on February 25 that the pope will make trips to Monaco, several African countries, and Spain.

The pope will begin with a one-day visit to Monaco on March 28, a microstate on the French Riviera known for its historic ties to the Catholic Church. Following that, from April 13 to 23, he will tour Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.

This African journey is expected to combine pastoral visits, diplomatic engagements, and interfaith initiatives, highlighting the Vatican’s commitment to strengthening ties on the continent.

Later in the year, Pope Leo will travel to Spain from June 6–12, continuing his pattern of early international outreach.

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These trips reflect the pope’s ongoing efforts to engage with communities worldwide, reinforce the Church’s presence in key regions, and address both spiritual and social concerns.

For Pope Leo, these visits are not only a chance to meet local Catholic communities but also an opportunity to strengthen the Vatican’s diplomatic and humanitarian influence across multiple continents in the early months of 2026.