If there is one activity that best reveals the diplomatic role and mission of the popes in our global, modern world—especially since the invention of the commercial airplane—it is apostolic journeys.
The trip to Turkey and Lebanon was the first of Pope Leo's papacy. But for 2026, he intends to board the papal plane once again to visit new destinations.
This is one of the things he discussed at the press conference during his return flight from his first international trip.
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.
Africa, as you just heard, is at the top of the Pope's list of potentials — specifically, the places where Saint Augustine lived. He was bishop of Hippo, now present-day Annaba in Algeria.
Africa could be the first destination for 2026, but not the last. During the same press conference, in response to a question about whether he would visit Spain, Pope Leo stated, “you can have hope.” A strong hint.
After meeting with the Pope, the Spanish Bishops stated that they are confident the trip will take place.
LUIS ARGÜELLO
President of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference
We left hopeful, didn’t we, that this visit to Spain might take place, perhaps relatively soon, so that he can get to know at least some of the realities of the Spanish Church.
In addition to these two likely destinations, there are signs Pope Leo will also visit the country of his predecessor, Pope Francis, as well as other South American nations, like his old stomping grounds in Peru.
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.
Africa, Spain, Argentina, or Uruguay—these are just some of the countries Pope Leo XIV could visit throughout 2026, a year full of promise, commitment, and encounters for the new successor of St. Peter.
