STORY: :: Pope Leo visits the ruins of the ancient town of Hippo in Algeria's coastal city Annaba

:: April 14, 2026

:: Leo is a member of the Augustinian religious order, inspired by the fourth century St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine of Hippo is a major figure in the early Christian Church.

Over 10 days from April 13-23, Leo will travel nearly 11,185 miles to visit 11 cities and towns in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea as part of a whirlwind itinerary that includes 18 flights.

The pope is making the visit with a mission "to help turn the world's attention to Africa," Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official and close adviser to Leo, told Reuters.