Algeria tipped as Pope Leo XIV’s first foreign trip

Pope Leo XIV is considering Algeria as the first destination of his papacy, National Catholic Register reports, citing Vatican sources. The potential visit would underscore his connection to St. Augustine, who served as bishop in present-day Annaba. On July 11, Pope Leo appointed a new bishop to Constantine, completing the episcopal leadership of all four Algerian dioceses.

The trip, which could precede a planned ecumenical visit to Turkey’s Nicaea in November, would highlight the Pope’s Augustinian roots and signal his commitment to interreligious dialogue. While no itinerary has been confirmed, Vatican officials are reportedly exploring travel options. If realized, the journey would blend Christian heritage with outreach to the Muslim world—an early symbol of Leo’s diplomatic and theological priorities.

Other likely destinations include the United States and Peru in 2026. However, the Vatican typically announces papal travel only weeks in advance, and current plans remain provisional. Still, Algeria is emerging as a strong candidate for Leo XIV’s inaugural foreign visit.