Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026. Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, confirmed as much when responding to questions from journalists during a Holy See press conference on February 8.
Pope Leo may not be visiting the United States this year, but he still has an extensive travel agenda planned. None of the potential destinations have been officially confirmed, but the Pope and other Church leaders have dropped several hints, giving a clear outline of the strongest contenders for this year.
One of the first hints came during the Pope's return flight from Lebanon, where he shared his wish to visit Africa, specifically Algeria.
POPE LEO XIV
As for trips, for sure, for sure, nothing is certain. I hope to travel to Africa; it will possibly be the next trip. It still needs to be confirmed. Africa. Africa. Personally, I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places of the life of Saint Augustine and to continue the discourse of dialogue, of building bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
Angola appears as another destination on Pope Leo's wish-list—according to the papal nuncio to the African nation—but he is also looking at visiting places closer to home. According to several Spanish bishops, Spain is among the top contenders.
CARD. JOSÉ COBO
Archbishop of Madrid
This is a first meeting convened by the Secretariat of State to begin thinking about and planning a visit of the Holy Father to Spain.
I can say it will be Madrid, I can say it will be Barcelona, and that the Canary Islands will be the third destination.
As far back as mid-November, Pope Leo revealed his desire to visit different Marian shrines across Europe and South America—his beloved Peru included.
POPE LEO XIV
I would be delighted to travel—to Fátima, to Guadalupe in Mexico, Uruguay and Argentina, still pending, and to go to Peru, of course.
Uruguay and Argentina might also make the cut given that Pope Leo's predecessor Pope Francis had expressed his desire to visit both countries, but never did.
Meanwhile, if you know anything about Pope Leo's life before the papacy, then a visit to Peru is entirely fitting. After the recent ad limina visit of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference last month, its president, Bishop Carlos Garcia, suggested the Pope might visit the country in late November or early December.
While this year looks like it will be full of travel for Pope Leo, he has already started scheduling trips beyond 2026, with Australia already in the books for 2028.
MONS. ANTHONY FISHER
Archbishop of Sydney
When I met him this week, I said “we are counting the days for you to come”. And he said “It is still little way away, but I’ll be there”. So, I’m counting on it.
Clearly, Pope Leo has a busy travel itinerary for the next couple of years, with many countries bidding for his attention.
